Canadian actor Lyriq Bent originally began his career as a computer graphic technician. Out of a dare, however, he decided to try out acting—and has not left since. His acting debut came in 2000, when he played a small role in the action series Relic Hunter. The following year, he played a bit role in the crime thriller The Caveman’s Valentine, his film debut. He has then appeared in several other films, notably Damaged Goods, Crime Spree, Four Brothers, The Life and Hard Times of Guy Terrifico, and the second to fourth installments of Saw. In Saw IV, which was released in 2007, his character—SWAT sergeant Rigg—became a central character, and primary target of the Jigsaw Killer (Tobin Bell).
Bent has also appeared in several television shows. His guest roles include those for Tracker, Street Time, Blue Murder, Mutant X, 1-800-Missing, Kevin Hill, The Dresden Files and CSI: Miami. He also had recurring roles in Platinum and Playmakers. His first regular television role was in the short-lived drama Angela’s Eyes, where he plays Leo Jenkins, the professional partner of protagonist Angela Anderson (Abigail Spencer).
With his slow ascent to prominence, the Canadian magazine Playback has named Bent as one of the country’s top rising stars.