Laz Alonso was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and always knew he wanted to be a successful actor. At a very early age, he entertained his family by playing different characters and doing impressions of family members and friends. He graduated from the prestigious Howard University School of Business with a degree in Marketing. Upon graduating, he worked as a banker at Merill Lynch on Wall Street, and eventually started his own marketing business.
This successful business of his led him to have more time for his passion for acting. Laz Alonso began taking evening classes and he eventually landed roles in commercials and videos.
Laz Alonso, being a rising star, has had several supporting roles. In 2000, he became the host of the TV series A.M. @ BET. He was also cast as Martinez in the television movie Disappearing Acts. The following year, he was given roles in Crime Partners 2000 and 30 Years to Life. He also became the host of another TV series, NYLA. In 2002, he was seen in movies like Morning Breath, G, All Night Bodega and Half & Half. He has been in two episodes of Providence and also in The Practice as Derek Mills.
Laz Alonso was cast in Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood. He has also appeared in other TV series such as Without a Trace, Soul Food and CSI: Miami. In 2004, he was featured in Hittin’ It! which was followed by a minor role in Constantine, The Tenants and Flip the Script the next year. He was also in HBO’s series Entourage and the 2005 film Jarhead as Escobar. He has also been in episodes of Bones, Manny, Eyes and The Unit. Alonso has appeared in 2007’s Stomp the Yard as Zeke, as well as in Captivity, Bunny Whipped and as Malcom Moore in This Christmas. In 2011, he was given the role of Charlie Duchamp in the A&E series, Breakout Kings.
- He has been seen on a couple of music videos. Once was on Toni Braxton's video "Hit the Freeway" and later on Aaliyah's tribute "Miss You".
- He made an appearance on the 2003 Alayé calendar.
- He can speak both English and Spanish.
- He was a participant in ABC's Diversity Showcase.
- For his appearances in Budweiser's "Wassup" commercials, he was awarded an Emmy.