Larenz Tate stars as Shawn Cook on NBC's gripping new drama "Game of Silence."

Born and raised on the west side of Chicago, Tate is recognized as an actor, writer and activist, recently adding producer and director to his list of accomplishments.

Tate made his film debut in Allen and Albert Hughes' cult classic "Menace II Society," where his groundbreaking role as the unforgettable O-Dog allowed him to be recognized as one of Hollywood's most promising young actors. He would later team up with the Hughes brothers once again for the gritty crime drama "Dead Presidents."

He would later star in another fan favorite, "Love Jones," opposite Nia Long. His feature film credits include "The Inkwell," "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," "A Man Apart," "Waist Deep" and "Biker Boyz." Tate co-starred in the three-time Academy Award-winning film "Crash," as well as "Ray," opposite Jamie Foxx and Kerry Washington.

His television credits include co-starring roles on "Rush," "Rescue Me," "Blue Bloods" and most recently the hit series "House of Lies" with Don Cheadle. Tate also starred in the original movie "Gun Hill."

Tate's main personal interest is the Tate Bros Foundation, a nonprofit organization that he and his brothers created to assist and help raise awareness of children living with sickle cell anemia. He also is a mentor and former spokesperson for BLOOM, a social initiative that helps at-risk youth.

He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three children.