Arlen Escarpeta is a Belizean-American actor known for his diverse roles in film and television. Born Arlen Alexander Escarpeta on April 9, 1981, in Belize, he moved to Los Angeles at a young age following his father’s death and began studying drama in middle and high school.
Escarpeta’s acting career began in the early 2000s, with notable television appearances in series such as Boston Public, Judging Amy, The Shield, and Boomtown. He gained significant recognition for his role as Samuel “Sam” Walker on NBC’s American Dreams (2002–2005), portraying a young Black man navigating the social changes of the 1960s.
In film, Escarpeta has appeared in several prominent projects. He portrayed Reggie Oliver in the biographical drama We Are Marshall (2006), starred as Lawrence in the 2009 remake of Friday the 13th, and played Nathan Sears in Final Destination 5 (2011). He also took on the role of Bobby Brown in the 2015 Lifetime biopic Whitney.
In the 2020s, Escarpeta’s television work includes portraying Adult JG in the second season of David Makes Man (2021) and Zeke Wallace in NBC’s Found (2023–2025), where he plays a tech expert with a personal history of abduction.
Escarpeta married actress LaToya Tonodeo, known for her role in Power Book II: Ghost, on June 29, 2025, in an intimate ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel .
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Arlen Alexander Escarpeta was born in Belize on April 9, 1981. Following the death of his father, his mother relocated the family to Los Angeles, California. In Los Angeles, Escarpeta developed an interest in acting, enrolling in drama classes during middle and high school. This early exposure to the arts laid the foundation for his future career in entertainment.
Educational Journey
Escarpeta attended Los Angeles High School, where he honed his acting skills. His passion for drama led him to pursue further education in the arts, although specific details about his college education are not publicly documented. His dedication to his craft during his formative years played a crucial role in shaping his acting abilities.
Career Overview
Early Career and Breakthrough
Escarpeta’s acting career began in the early 2000s. In 2000, he made his film debut in the crime drama The Playaz Court. He also appeared in various television programs such as Boston Public, The Shield, Judging Amy, and Boomtown. In 2002, he was cast as Sam Walker in the historical drama series American Dreams, which aired on NBC.
Film Roles
Escarpeta’s filmography includes notable roles in:
- We Are Marshall (2006): Portrayed Reggie Oliver, a college football player, in this biographical drama.
- Friday the 13th (2009): Played Lawrence in this slasher film.
- Final Destination 5 (2011): Starred as Nathan Sears in the fifth installment of the horror franchise.
- Into the Storm (2014): Appeared as Daryl in this disaster film.
- Whitney (2015): Portrayed Bobby Brown in the Lifetime television film.
Television Roles
Escarpeta has also made significant contributions to television, with roles in:
- The Oath (2018): Played Officer Damon Byrd in this Crackle series.
- David Makes Man (2021): Featured as Adult JG in the second season of this OWN series.
- Found (2023–2025): Stars as Zeke Wallace in this NBC series.
Personal Life
Marriage to LaToya Tonodeo
In June 2025, Escarpeta married actress LaToya Tonodeo, known for her role in Power Book II: Ghost, in an intimate ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The couple’s wedding was a private affair, reflecting their preference for keeping personal matters out of the public eye.
Family and Heritage
Escarpeta’s family background plays a significant role in his life. He often expresses gratitude for his upbringing and the values instilled in him by his parents. His Belizean heritage is a source of pride, and he maintains strong connections to his roots.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Arlen Escarpeta’s net worth is estimated to be around $800,000. This figure reflects his earnings from his extensive work in film and television over the years. While not among the wealthiest in Hollywood, Escarpeta’s consistent work and dedication to his craft have contributed to his financial standing.
Conclusion
Arlen Escarpeta’s journey from Belize to Hollywood is a testament to his talent, resilience, and dedication. Through his diverse roles in film and television, he has established himself as a respected actor in the entertainment industry. His recent marriage to LaToya Tonodeo marks a new chapter in his personal life, and his continued success promises even greater achievements in the future.
FAQs
What is Arlen Escarpeta’s date of birth?
Arlen Escarpeta was born on April 9, 1981.
Where is Arlen Escarpeta from?
He was born in Belize and later moved to Los Angeles, California.
What was Arlen Escarpeta’s breakout role?
His breakout role was as Samuel “Sam” Walker in the NBC series American Dreams (2002–2005).
Has Arlen Escarpeta appeared in any horror films?
Yes, he starred in Friday the 13th (2009) and Final Destination 5 (2011).
Who is Arlen Escarpeta married to?
He married actress LaToya Tonodeo in June 2025.
What is Arlen Escarpeta’s most recent television role?
His most recent television role is as Zeke Wallace in the NBC series Found (2023–2025).
Has Arlen Escarpeta worked in any television series?
Yes, he has appeared in several television series, including The Oath (2018) and David Makes Man (2021).
What is Arlen Escarpeta’s educational background?
He attended Los Angeles High School, where he developed an interest in acting.
Does Arlen Escarpeta have any children?
As of now, there is no public information confirming that he has children.
