Born in Manhattan, raised in Bronx & Mt. Vernon, New York, where sports dominated his formative years and earned him a scholarship to Loyola in Los Angeles, CA where one day on campus, he was asked (out of the blue) to act in a student film. It was an unexpected start to a long career that has an impressive list of credits in film, television and stage, becoming a drama major and former student of well known Uta Hagan's HB Studios in New York.
Many fans first were first wowed by his appearance in Madonna's most famous video "Like a Prayer," but more and more fans flocked to the theaters to see him in the lead role of Disney's blockbuster hit "Cool Runnings". He soon graced many excellent story lines such as New Line's urban sports drama "Above the Rim," Tri-Star's action hit "Cliffhanger," 20th Fox' hit movie "Waiting to Exhale," HBO's "Oz," and NBC's "Crossing Jordan." During 2004 - 2005, Leon crossed the country while packing houses performing in the theatrical version of New York Times best-selling novel "Friends and Lovers" where he sang the feature cut from the CD "Road Less Traveled" titled "Will You Be My Wife." Leon had made his film, singing debut playing a reggae singing bouncer in "The Price of Kissing," in which he produced, starred in and sang a memorable rendition of "Daddy's Home." He proceeded to further his musical roles in the dramas like Robert Townsend's "The Five Heartbeats" (voted the #1 African American film by AOL Black Voices), The NBC hit mini-series "The Temptations," as lead singer, David Ruffin and the authorized biography of "Little Richard" as Little Richard himself both earning him NAACP Best Actor nominations. Leon was also co-starred in Merchant Ivory's "Side Streets" and Miramax's "Buffalo Soldiers", the highly acclaimed, "Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored" and his memorable cameo role in Michael Mann's "Ali." Leon continued attracting fans when he hosted and produced BET's "L-Bow Room."
In 2012, Leon has several new movies. Leon stars in Troy Byer's romantic comedy "Ex-Free" and "Soul Ties", based on the book of the same name by Tee Austin. The indie "The Cheaters Club" and the world premiere play airing on GMC, "From This Day Forward". In 2009, Leon had fans and critics buzzing with his provocative turn in 20th Century's Fox much talked about thriller 'COVER" directed by Bill Duke, a national touring schedule for the play "3 Ways to Get a Husband," the indie comedy "The Brooklyn Heist". Leon also stars in Robert Townsend's award wining web series "Diary of A Single Mom" nominated for 2011 Webby for Best Drama, in it's 3rd season on PIC.TV. In music, Leon received an International Reggae and World Music Award nomination for his band Leon & The Peoples debut CD "The Road Less Traveled" and completed a 36 city US tour as part of the sold out "For The Love Of It Tour". Leon was on Beres Hammond's "sold out" 201O "For The Love Of It 2 " North American tour. Leon & The Peoples headlined The 25th Annual AidsWalk NYC Concert in Central Park.
Leon balances his array of talent between all mediums, but his love for music is seen when he performs with his band "Leon and The Peoples." "We play Reggae Soul Music, says Leon. In 2007, they completed their first North American tour with reggae greats Beres Hammond and Marcia Griffiths with many sold-out dates as part of the "For the Love of It Tour". "Leon & The Peoples" has also headlined AIDS WALK in NYC (2005-2010), NYC Summer Stage, New Orleans International Music & Arts Festival, and Atlanta's 2010 National Blacks Arts Festival amongst others. The band has been featured on BET's very popular 106 & Park and was part of the 2011 all- star line-up of the AspenJazz Fest that included, Sheryl Crow, Steely Dan & Lenny Kravitz. Leon's attraction brings out the best in everyone as audiences enjoy him in his various performances whether it's live on stage, in a role on the big screen, small screen or performing at a club.
