Rockmond Dunbar’s screen presence was equally captivating as his name. The actor was best known for playing Benjamin Miles “C Note” Franklin on the thrilling and dramatic series “Prison Break” (FOX, 2005- ). During his time on the high profile show, Dunbar may have played someone breaking out of prison, but in real life, he was breaking out as one of television’s hottest stars. TV Guide would agree, naming Dunbar one of television’s “50 Sexiest Stars of All Time.”
On Jan. 11, 1973, Rockmond Dunbar was born in Oakland, CA. He studied at Morehouse College and the University of New Mexico before making the move to Hollywood. Making his film debut in “Misery Loves Company” (1998), the actor followed it up with a string of television appearances, on sitcoms like “The Wayans Brothers” (The WB, 1995-99), “Two Guys, A Girl, and a Pizza Place” (ABC, 1998-2001), and an unforgettable guest appearance on “The Practice” (ABC, 1997-2004) in a 1999 episode directed by the show’s star, Dylan McDermott. After co-starring in the independent film “Punks” (2000) with Vanessa Williams and Loretta Devine, Dunbar’s career went full speed ahead in 2003 when he appeared in several episodes of the hit urban comedy, “Girlfriends” (The CW, 2000- ).
A prominent role in the ensemble drama “Soul Food: The Series” (Showtime, 2000-04) finally made Dunbar a familiar face in Hollywood. He played Kenny Chadway for 74 episodes of the provocative and groundbreaking series. At the time he was enjoying TV success for the first time, he returned to the big screen in 2005, alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer in the critically acclaimed murder-mystery film, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.” A year later, Dunbar reunited with “Punks” costar Devine in the film “Dirty Laundry.”
In 2005, Dunbar jumped up to TV’s A-list by joining the prominently male cast of the immensely popular Fox series, “Prison Break.” Playing his character “C-Note” with an air of mystery and realism, the show’s fans responded favorably, turning in each week and making him a favorite with viewers. It was the hardworking and gifted actor’s biggest project to date and put him much in demand for other projects.