Damon Gupton stars as Detective Evrard Velerio, a longtime friend of Jane's (Maria Bello) and new member of the homicide department, in NBC's gritty drama "Prime Suspect."

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Gupton graduated from the drama division of the Juilliard School in New York. He has had roles in television, film and on stage.

His television credits include NBC's "Law and Order," "Law and Order: Criminal Intent," "Conviction," "The Unusuals," "Third Watch" and "Drift," as well as starring as a principal cast member in "Deadline."

On film, he appeared in the 2002 drama "Unfaithful," directed by Adrian Lyne, "The Loretta Claiborne Story," "Helen at Risk" and Sidney Lumet's "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead." Other film appearances include roles in Joel Schumacher's "Twelve" and M. Night Shyamalan's "The Last Airbender."

His stage credits include the world premiere of Tracey Scott Wilson's "The Story" at New York's Public Theater, alongside Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad. Additional credits include "Superior," "Donuts," "Inked Baby" and Bruce Norris' Pulitzer Prize-winning production "Clybourne Park," for which he received an AUDELCO nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Prior to launching his acting career, Gupton focused his creative energy on music, an area in which he experienced much success. He held the post of assistant conductor of the Kansas City Symphony from 2006-2008 and served as American Conducting Fellow of the Houston Symphony for the 2004-2005 season. In honor of his musical talents, he received the Emerging Artist Award from the University of Michigan School of Music and Alumni Society and was named a Presidential Professor by the University of Michigan in January 2009.

Gupton received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Michigan.