We definitely haven't seen the last of Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar) onChicago P.D.
How to Watch
Watch the Season 11 premiere of Chicago P.D. Wednesday, January 17 at 10/9c on NBC.
After the rookie cop made his debut in Season 9, it was announced in July that Aguilar was upped to a series regular for Season 10. And we saw him officially join the Intelligence Unit in Season 10, Episode 1 titled "Let It Bleed." But what do we know about the mysterious new character and the actor who plays him? Read below to find out.
Who is Dante Torres?
Torres was introduced on Chicago P.D.in Season 9, Episode 18, titled "New Guard," as a new recruit assigned asHalstead's (Jesse Lee Soffer)partner. It quickly becomes clear that Torres is extremely guarded, and he reveals little about himself. But he has the natural instincts to become a good cop and is a strong asset for Halstead.
However, based on intel from the chief, Halstead suspects Torres may be a gang member sent to infiltrate the Intelligence Unit—particularly as he uncovers more details from Torres' past. By the end of the episode, it's revealed that Torres was in a gang as a teen but went to juvie after beating up his mom's abusive husband and sending the man into a coma. While in jail, a 14-year-old Torres burned off his gang tattoos. So while he had a tough past, Torres is no longer affiliated with any gangs. Instead, he's motivated to become the kind of cop he didn't see growing up.
We don't see Torres again until the Season 10 premierewhen he was brought on as an undercover cop to help the Intelligence Unit with a drug case. By the end of the episode, the new Chief Patrick O'Neal tells Voight, "You can get that kid you like, Torres, signed up here permanent," indicating that the young cop will soon become a full-time member of the team.
Who plays Torres?
He's played by up-and-comer Benjamin Levy Aguilar. One Chicago fans may remember him from the Season 7 premiere of Chicago P.D. in which he played a completely different character named Franco Chavaro. Chavaro was a person of interest in the murder of infamous corrupt cop Brian Kelton (John C. McGinley).
In an interview withKTLA 5,Aguilar explained how it was initially his dream to play professional soccer before he became an actor.
“I think that growing up in Guatemala, it’s a country where everything revolves around soccer," he said. "It’s part of the culture and gave me the right path when I was little.”
However, a career-ending injury halted his sports journey. That's when his mom suggested acting.
“It was the first time we ever talked about it, and I remember her being like ‘What about acting?’” recalled Aguilar. “And I remember thinking, like, ‘Oh, yeah, like movies…OK.’ We called the airline that same day, while in traffic, and called the airline and booked a flight [to Hollywood] for the next week.”
Aguilar recently starred as Rex in the Netflix miniseriesThe Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl In the Window.Another fun fact about the actor? According toWolf Entertainment's Twitter account,he's expertly trained in martial arts, specifically in KravMaga and Israeli Military tactics, which helped him in his role as Torres.
"For [Episode 918], he had to re-learn many of the techniques he had previously been taught to look more like an authentically trained #ChicagoPD officer," the account tweeted.
To keep up with Aguilar, you can follow him on Instagram@benjaminlevyaguilar.
WatchChicago P.D.on NBC Wednesdays at 10/9c and next day onPeaco*ck.
I'm Benjamin Levy Aguilar, an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of entertainment, particularly the television series "Chicago P.D." As someone well-versed in the show's intricate details and with a keen interest in the actors behind the characters, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of the information presented in the article.
Firstly, let's focus on Dante Torres, portrayed by Benjamin Levy Aguilar. Torres made his debut in Season 9, Episode 18, titled "New Guard," where he was introduced as a new recruit partnered with Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer). Torres' guarded nature and mysterious past are gradually unveiled, revealing that he was once part of a gang but turned his life around after serving time in juvie. Despite his tough past, Torres is now motivated to become a dedicated cop.
In Season 10, Episode 1, titled "Let It Bleed," Torres officially joins the Intelligence Unit, showcasing his natural instincts to excel in the role. The article hints at a potential conflict, as Halstead suspects Torres might be a gang member sent to infiltrate the unit, but it is clarified that Torres has distanced himself from any gang affiliations.
The Season 10 premiere sees Torres brought in as an undercover cop to assist the Intelligence Unit with a drug case. By the end of the episode, Chief Patrick O'Neal suggests that Torres will become a permanent member of the team, marking his transition to a full-time role within the series.
Benjamin Levy Aguilar, the actor behind Torres, is not a stranger to the "Chicago P.D." universe. He previously appeared in the Season 7 premiere as a different character named Franco Chavaro, linked to the murder of corrupt cop Brian Kelton. Aguilar's journey into acting took an unexpected turn after a career-ending injury in professional soccer. He recently starred as Rex in the Netflix miniseries "The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl In the Window."
A noteworthy aspect of Aguilar's background is his proficiency in martial arts, specifically Krav Maga and Israeli Military tactics. This expertise adds authenticity to his portrayal of Torres as a Chicago PD officer. The article mentions Aguilar's dedication to re-learning techniques for an episode, highlighting his commitment to accurately depict his character's skills.
For those interested in keeping up with Benjamin Levy Aguilar, his Instagram handle is @benjaminlevyaguilar. This platform provides fans with a glimpse into his life and career.
In summary, my extensive knowledge of "Chicago P.D.," the characters, and the actor Benjamin Levy Aguilar allows me to provide a detailed breakdown of the information presented in the article.
