{{Short description|American actor (born 1974)}} {{Infobox person | name = Laz Alonso | image = Laz Alonso at 53rd Saturn Awards 2026.jpg | caption = Alonso in 2026 | birth_date = {{Birth date and age |1974|3|25}} | birth_place = Washington, D.C., U.S. | alma_mater = Howard University (BBA) | occupation = Actor | birth_name = Lazaro Alonso | years_active = 2000–present }}
'''Lazaro Alonso''' (born March 25, 1974) is a Cuban-American actor. He is known for playing Tsu'tey in James Cameron's science fiction film ''Avatar'' and Fenix Calderon in the film ''Fast & Furious''. Alonso has had roles in other films such as ''Jarhead'', ''This Christmas'', ''Miracle at St. Anna'' and ''Detroit''. From 2019 to 2026, Alonso was part of the main cast of the superhero series ''The Boys'' (based on the comic book series of the same name) playing the character known as Marvin T. "MM (Mother's Milk)" Milk.
==Early life and education== Alonso was born and raised in Washington, D.C. to Afro-Cuban immigrant parents. He grew up in Mount Pleasant and graduated from St. John's College High School.<ref>{{cite web |title=THE RELIABLE SOURCE |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1998/04/16/the-reliable-source/c1b64862-8087-4ba1-8154-0cb0f557769c/ |website=The Washington Post |access-date=20 February 2026 |date=16 April 1998}}</ref> He is an alumnus of Howard University.<ref name="KamWilliams">[http://www.kamwilliams.com/2009/03/laz-alonso-fast-furious-interview.html Laz Alonso: The "Fast & Furious" Interview] at Sly Fox Film Reviews, March 23, 2009 (retrieved January 23, 2010)</ref> After graduating from Howard University with a BBA in marketing, he had a career as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch on Wall Street before making his way into entertainment.<ref name="KamWilliams"/>
==Career== Alonso began his career hosting the television shows A.M. @BET and NYLA.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soul at Home Recipes, Presented by Lactaid |url=https://www.bet.com/shows/soul-train-awards/2020/soul-at-home-recipes-presented-by-lactaid.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121060031/https://www.bet.com/shows/soul-train-awards/2020/soul-at-home-recipes-presented-by-lactaid.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |website=BET.com}}</ref> Alonso has also appeared in music videos by recording artists Toni Braxton and Aaliyah.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.essence.com/galleries/eye-candy-laz-alonso-heats-primetime#243326|title = Eye Candy: Laz Alonso Heats Up Primetime|date = January 7, 2013| newspaper=Essence|author=Penn, Charlie}}</ref>
Alonso has had supporting roles in films such as ''Stomp the Yard'', ''Down for Life'', ''Jarhead'', ''G,'' ''Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood'', ''This Christmas'' and ''Miracle at St. Anna''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Laz Alonso Surprises Fans at Essence Festival 2014 |url=http://urbanmecca.net/news/2014/07/07/laz-alonso-surprises-fans-at-essence-festival-2014/ |work=Urbanmecca.com {{!}} African American News |date=7 July 2014 |archive-date=17 August 2019 |access-date=11 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817072849/http://urbanmecca.net/news/2014/07/07/laz-alonso-surprises-fans-at-essence-festival-2014/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title="Stomp" steps over a deeper, richer story |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2007/01/10/stomp-steps-over-a-deeper-richer-story/ |work=The Denver Post |date=10 January 2007}}</ref>
In 2009, he played Fenix Calderon, the main antagonist in the film ''Fast & Furious'', the fourth installment in the ''Fast & Furious'' film series. Alonso had a major role as the Na'vi warrior Tsu'tey in James Cameron's science fiction adventure film ''Avatar''.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/27/laz-alonso-black-and-latino-naacp-image-awards_n_1236913.html|title = Laz Alonso Talks: 'Black and Latino,' NAACP Nomination, & Evolving Into A Producer|date = January 27, 2012| newspaper=HuffPost|last=Williams|first=Brennan}}</ref>
Alonso played one of the lead characters on the 2011, TV series ''Breakout Kings'' during its first season and the first episode of season two.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/breakout-kings-canceled-326277|title = A&E Cancels 'Breakout Kings'|date = May 17, 2012| newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Ng|first=Philiana}}</ref>
He has made television guest starring appearances on ''The Unit'', ''Bones'', ''CSI: Miami'', ''NCIS'', ''The Practice'' and ''Eyes''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Laz Alonso {{!}} TV Guide |url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/laz-alonso/193704/ |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Boys: Tudo o que você precisa saber sobre o Leitinho |url=https://www.legiaodosherois.com.br/lista/the-boys-tudo-sobre-leitinho.html |website=Legião dos Heróis |language=pt-br |date=16 October 2020}}</ref>
Alonso was the lead in the 2013, NBC drama ''Deception''.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/08/deception-canceled-season-2_n_3225756.html|title = 'Deception' Canceled: NBC Chooses Not To Renew Meagan Good Drama For Season 2|date = May 8, 2013| newspaper=HuffPost}}</ref>
Alonso also played one of the main characters, Detective Billy Soto, on the NBC series ''The Mysteries of Laura''.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.bustle.com/articles/40262-who-is-laz-alonso-the-mysteries-of-laura-actor-might-be-your-new-favorite-tv-star|title = Who Is Laz Alonso? 'The Mysteries of Laura' Actor Might be Your New Favorite TV Star|date = September 17, 2014| newspaper=Bustle|last=Hawkins|first=Kayla}}</ref>
In 2023, he played the protagonist of ''My Dad the Bounty Hunter'', a dad named Terry who secretly works as a bounty hunter named Sabo Brok.<ref name="vito2022">{{cite web|last=Oddo|first=Marco Vito|url=https://collider.com/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-trailer-netflix/|title='My Dad the Bounty Hunter' Trailer Makes Catching Space Criminals a Family Business|website=Collider|date=November 16, 2022|access-date=February 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115115049/https://collider.com/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-trailer-netflix/|archive-date=January 15, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
Alonso briefly reprised his role as Tsu'tey with a cameo in the 2025 sequel ''Avatar: Fire and Ash''.
==Personal life== Alonso resides in Los Angeles, California. He speaks Spanish fluently and is a Christian.<ref>{{cite web |title=Laz Alonso Talks About Faith |url=https://www.jetmag.com/entertainment/laz-alonso-shares-faith-walk-hollywood/ |website=www.jetmag.com}}</ref>
==Filmography== [[File:CCHPounderLazAlonsoDec09.jpg|thumb|Alonso with CCH Pounder in 2009]] ===Film=== {|class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- | 2000 | ''Disappearing Acts'' | The Moving Man | TV movie |- | rowspan="2" | 2001 | ''30 Years to Life'' | Richard | |- | ''Down to Earth'' | BET Announcer | |- | rowspan="3" | 2002 | ''Morning Breath'' | Miguelito | Short |- | ''G'' | Craig Lewis | |- | ''All Night Bodega'' | Angel | |- | rowspan="2" | 2003 | ''Crime Partners'' | David Little | |- | ''Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood'' | Rory Jackson | |- | 2004 | ''Hittin' It!'' | Chris B. | |- | rowspan="6" | 2005 | ''All Souls Day: Dia de los Muertos'' | Tyler | |- | ''Constantine'' | Morgue Security Guard | |- | ''{{sortname|The|Tenants|The Tenants (2005 film)}}'' | Jacob 32 | |- | ''Flip the Script'' | Nelson | |- | ''Issues'' | Damien | |- | ''Jarhead'' | Lance Corporal Ramon Escobar | |- | 2006 | ''The Last Stand'' | Wesley | |- | rowspan="6" | 2007 | ''Stomp the Yard'' | Zeke | |- | ''Captivity'' | Detective Ray Di Santos | |- | ''Bunny Whipped'' | Kenny Kent | |- | ''Mano'' | Angel | Short |- | ''This Christmas'' | Malcolm Moore | |- | ''Divine Intervention'' | Deacon Wells | |- | 2008 | ''Miracle at St. Anna'' | Corporal Hector Negron | |- | rowspan="6" | 2009 | ''Fast & Furious'' | Fenix Calderon | |- | ''The Ballad of G.I. Joe'' | Doc | Short |- | ''U.S. Attorney'' | Henry Williams | TV movie |- | ''Columbia Ave.'' | Max DelGado | Short |- | ''Down for Life'' | Officer Barber | Also executive producer |- | ''Avatar'' | Tsu'tey | |- | 2010 | ''Just Wright'' | Mark Matthews | |- | rowspan="2" | 2011 | ''Straw Dogs'' | Deputy John Burke | |- | ''Jumping the Broom'' | Jason Taylor | |- | rowspan="2" | 2013 | ''Battle of the Year'' | Dante Graham | |- | ''Fast & Furious 6'' | Fenix Calderon | Cameo |- | 2017 | ''Detroit'' | John Conyers | |- | rowspan="2" | 2018 | ''Traffik'' | Darren Cole | |- | ''Armed'' | Jessie | |- | 2021 | ''Wrath of Man'' | Carlos | |- | 2024 | ''Detained'' | Detective Avery | Also executive producer |- | rowspan="2" | 2025 | ''Fountain of Youth'' | Patrick Murphy | |- | ''Avatar: Fire and Ash'' | Tsu'tey | Cameo |- |}
===Television=== {|class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- | 2000 | ''A.M. @ BET'' | Host | TV series |- | 2001 | ''NYLA'' | Host | TV series |- | 2002 | ''Providence'' | Eddie | Recurring cast: season 5 |- | rowspan="2" | 2003 | ''La cenicienta'' | Lazaro | Episode: "La Cenicienta" |- | ''{{sortname|The|Practice}}'' | Derek Mills | Episode: "The Heat of Passion" & "Rape Shield" |- | 2003–2004 | ''One on One'' | Manny | Recurring cast: season 3 |- | rowspan="4" | 2004 | ''Without a Trace'' | Dwayne | Episode: "The Line" |- | ''Soul Food'' | Derek | Episode: "Pagan Poetry" |- | ''NCIS'' | Staff Sergeant Steven Washington | Episode: "Split Decision" |- | ''CSI: Miami'' | Dennis "Deuce-Deuce" de Labeque | Episode: "Pro Per" |- | rowspan="3" | 2005 | ''Entourage'' | Snoop's Assistant | Episode: "The Abyss" |- | ''Bones'' | George Warren | Episode: "The Man in the Wall" |- | ''Eyes'' | James Gage | Recurring cast |- | rowspan="2" | 2006 | ''One on One'' | Trent | Episode: "California Girl" |- | ''{{sortname|The|Unit}}'' | Sergeant Carmichael | Episode: "Natural Selection" |- | 2010–2011 | ''Southland'' | Detective Gil Puente | Recurring cast: season 2-3 |- | 2011–2012 | ''Breakout Kings'' | Charlie Duchamp | Main cast |- | rowspan="2" | 2013 | ''Deception'' | Will Moreno | Main cast |- | ''Person of Interest'' | Paul Carter | Episode: "Endgame" & "The Devil's Share" |- | 2014 | ''Single Ladies'' | Alec Hansen | Episode: "One Wedding and a Funeral" |- | 2014–2016 | ''The Mysteries of Laura'' | Billy Soto | Main cast |- | 2018 | ''The Bobby Brown Story'' | Louil Silas Jr. | Episode: "Part One" & "Part Two" |- | 2019 | ''L.A.'s Finest'' | Warren Hendrix | Recurring cast: season 1 |- | 2019–2026 | ''The Boys'' | Marvin T. Milk / Mother's Milk / M.M. | Main cast, 38 episodes |- | 2020–2021 | ''Power Book II: Ghost'' | Detective Sam Santana | Recurring cast: season 1 |- | 2021 | ''A Black Lady Sketch Show'' | Unknown | Episode: "But the Tilapias Are Fine Though, Right?" |- | 2023 | ''My Dad the Bounty Hunter'' | Terry | Main Character |}
===Video game=== {|class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- |2026 |''The Boys: Trigger Warning'' |Marvin T. Milk / Mother's Milk / M.M. |<ref>{{cite web|title=First Official The Boys Video Game Is a VR Exclusive for Meta Quest 3 and PlayStation VR2|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/first-official-the-boys-video-game-is-a-vr-exclusive-for-meta-quest-3-and-playstation-vr2|date=December 9, 2025|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole}}</ref> |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{commonscat}} *{{IMDb name|22306|Laz Alonso}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20121231115114/http://www.fastlifeshow.com/2012/12/laz-alonso-gets-e-motional-for-nbc-tv-show-deception-and-his-washington-redskins/ Laz Alonso discussing NBC's Deception December 2012]
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Alonso, Laz}} Category:1974 births Category:Living people Category:20th-century American male actors Category:21st-century American male actors Category:American investment bankers Category:American male film actors Category:American male television actors Category:American entertainers of Cuban descent Category:Hispanic and Latino American male actors Category:Howard University alumni Category:Male actors from Los Angeles Category:Male actors from Washington, D.C. Category:Merrill (company) people Category:American people of Afro-Cuban descent