Biography

Tyler Lepley (born March 24, 1987 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American actor best known for his dynamic work across television and film, ranging from serialized dramas to romantic features. Lepley’s on-screen career began with a guest role on 90210 (CW) and quickly expanded with his breakthrough as Benjamin “Benny” Young on Tyler Perry’s long-running OWN drama The Haves and the Have Nots (2013–2021), a role that introduced him to mainstream audiences and showcased his ability to anchor emotionally complex characters.

 

Following that early success, Lepley continued to build his television résumé with key roles in critically recognized series, including as Diamond in Starz’s gritty drama P-Valley (2020–2022) and as Ian Walker on the Amazon Prime Video romantic comedy Harlem, a series celebrated for its ensemble chemistry and nuanced storytelling.

 

Lepley’s film credits span genre and scale, from supporting work in the romantic comedy Baggage Claim (2013) to lead roles in feature projects like Ringside (2016), the faith-based romance Ruth & Boaz (2025), and his performance as Tony Wells in Tyler Perry’s mystery thriller Tyler Perry’s Duplicity (2025). His versatility in both television and streaming cinema highlights his range from drama to romantic leads.

 

In addition to his acting work, Lepley’s performances have garnered industry recognition. He earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for Harlem (2024) for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, and at the 57th NAACP Image Awards, he won Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie) for his lead portrayal in Ruth & Boaz, affirming his rising stature in television and film. It was recently announced that he will be starring in Tyler Perry’s new firefighter drama series, ‘Where There’s Smoke’ for Netflix.