The Equalizer Cast and Character Guide
A character guide for CBS’ “The Equalizer.” Included is information about characters and noteworthy information about the series.
[Unless Said Otherwise] Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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A character guide for CBS’ “The Equalizer.” Included is information about characters and noteworthy information about the series.
Please Note: This content contains pertinent spoilers, descriptions are updated as new information is presented, images changed as better ones are captured, and this is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, guest star, or reoccurring role.
General Information
| Network(s) | CBS |
| Created By | Michael Sloan, Richard Lindheim |
| Based On | The Equalizer (1985 – 1989) by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim |
| First Aired | 2/7/2021 |
| Executive Produced By |
Liz Friedlander, Richard Lindheim, Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, Debra Martin Chase, John Davis, John Fox, Terri Edda Miller, Andrew W. Marlowe, Randy Zisk, Joseph C. Wilson |
| Showrunner(s) | Season 1 and 2: Andrew Marlowe and Terri MillerSeason 3: Joseph C. Wilson and Adam Glass |
Plot
After a mission that went horribly wrong, former CIA operative Robyn McCall decided to call it quits and spend more time at home with her family. However, after stumbling upon a few innocent people being taken advantage of, Robyn decides to become a vigilante and defender of those who feel they have nowhere else to turn, at least in the New York City area. Thus, with her extensive skills, she becomes The Equalizer.
Groups & Organizations
- 37 Blackbird (1.1): A group of ex-special forces soldiers for hire – some with war crimes on their record.
- NOMAD (3.13): A project that, off the books, would destabilize global hotspots.
- Peer Ear (4.4): The student counseling organization that Delila is part of
Notable Locations & Items
- 37th Precinct (3.1): Where Dante works
Terms
- The Iron Pipeline (5.8): Another name for I-95, which Salazar was trying to capture for his illegal business
Other Noteworthy Information
- Time Passed (2.1): Two weeks passed between seasons 1 and 2
- What Year Is It (3.17): John died in 1996, which is noted to be 30 years ago, so it is 2026 in “The Equalizer.”
- Message Board (4.6): Despite how big Robyn and her team have gotten, the message board still exists
Robyn McCall (Queen Latifah) and Young Robyn (Taliyah Whitaker)
Robyn was a troubled kid growing up who was given an ultimatum: Either you will go to jail or join the army. Robyn chose the army and eventually worked her way into the CIA. There, she’d handled various sensitive missions, which made her quite the asset. However, under the guise she was working for a charitable non-profit, she sacrificed her relationship with her daughter to save the world.
This is why, decades after joining the military and after a botched mission, she decides to quit to do more local work, helping those with nowhere to turn, and rebuild her relationship with her kid.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 1 “The Equalizer”
- Nickname (1.2): In Kandahar she was called Almaedil, which translates to “The Equalizer.”
- Age (3.17): Based on her dad dying 30 years ago when she was 17, Robyn is around 47 – which is 6 years younger than Queen Latifah.
- Name Origin (3.17): Robyn may have been named after Silver Convention’s “Fly Robin Fly.” A song that came out 48 years ago.
Quotes & Gifs
He’s too busy being good to be great.
— Robyn (1.7)
“God wants you to walk, and the devil sends a limo.”
— Robyn (2.4)
We are what we can’t let go of and what can’t let go of us.
— Robyn (2.16)
[…] if every woman going through tough times lost the right to parent, we’d all be orphans.
— Robyn (3.3)
“No one wants to be the villain in their own story.”
— Robyn (3.14)
Delilah (Laya DeLeon Hayes)
Delilah is Robyn’s teenage daughter, who doesn’t necessarily have the best relationship with her mom. Thus, she is starting to act out and follow the path her mother was traveling back when Robyn was 17.
However, as the seasons go on, and Delilah learns why her mother was away, you see a mix of her mother’s fight for justice, and Aunt Vi’s activism meld into a young woman ready to take on the world, be it in a protest or potentially a fight.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 1 “The Equalizer”
- Extracurricular Activities (1.2): Is part of the community choir at her school
- Age (2.1): Is noted to be 15
Quotes & Gifs
William Bishop (Chris Noth)
William Bishop is a former co-worker and mentor of Robyn, who once tried to convince her to either go into private security or rejoin the CIA. However, what ends up happening is he becomes an unofficial member of her team by helping her get intel.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 1 “The Equalizer”
- Written Off (2.14): Due to allegations against Chris Noth, Bishop is written off the show
Quotes & Gifs
Melody Bayani (Liza Lapira)
Melody is often Robyn’s right hand in the field, just as much as she is Harry’s wife. In the field, she often provides eyes and ears, paired with what Harry hacks into, but with a sniper rifle in hand – using her experience in the military as a sharpshooter to help Robyn.
However, when not with Robyn, she works at a bar she runs, which is not just a cover but a bar that actually has customers, event nights, and, in the basement, Harry’s lair.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 1 “The Equalizer”
- When She Met Robin (1.2): Met Robin in Kandahar
- Separated From Military (4.10): Mel hasn’t worked in the military for at least eight years.
Quotes & Gifs
Harry Keshegian (Adam Goldberg)
Before faking his own death, Harry was a notorious hacker. However, now he lives a low-key life with his wife Melody and keeps his skills sharp with the occasional job.
Additional Information
Quotes & Gifs
What’s the point of gaining the world if it means losing your place in it?
— Henry (2.9)
Detective Marcus Dante (Tory Kittles) & 8 Year Old Dante (Jelani Dacres)
When introduced to Detective Marcus Dante he is fresh from a suspension from punching the ADA due to a botch handling of a case Detective Dante was working on. That incident opened up Detective Dante to working with Robyn and pooling resources so that her vigiliante work could end with things happening by the book.
Over time, the two grew close, and being that Detective Dante as primary custody of his two boys, it made his only opportunity to date and find love be Robyn, who, like Detective Dante, has to learn how to make time for there to be something more to their relationship.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 1 “The Equalizer”
- Following Father’s Footsteps (1.3): Marcus’ father was a famed cop but, after being busted for drugs, his dad fell from grace. Hence Marcus always wanting to do things by the book.
- Sons (1.7): His two sons are named Stefon and Kyler
- Original Aspirations (2.13): He went to law school assuming to be a lawyer
- Baseball Fan (4.5): The Mets
- Favorite Movie (4.10): Casablanca
Quotes & Gifs
Not every question is an accusation.
— Detective Dante (1.3)
Aunt Vi (Lorraine Toussaint)
In order for Robyn to do what she did while in the CIA or as the Equalizer, Aunt Vi holds her down by taking care of her home and daughter, Delilah. But, while we often see Aunt Vi in the house, mainly in the kitchen, it is established that she is an artist, a bi woman, and when passionate about a topic, can be an activist and be found protesting on the streets.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 1 “The Equalizer”
- Whose Sister? (1.4): Aunt Vi is Robyn’s paternal aunt
- Berkeley (1.7): Attended Berkeley in the 70s and reveals she was bi-sexual
- Domestic Violence (3.15): It is revealed Aunt Vi’s ex, Charles, who she met in Europe, was abusive to her while she was an art student
Quotes & Gifs
You take shortcuts, you eventually are going to get cut short.
— Aunt Vi (3.12)
Avery Grafton (Jennifer Ferrin)
The district attorney for the area Detective Dante works in.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 3 “Judgement Day”
Quotes & Gifs
Every problem holds the key to its own solution.
—DA Grafton (1.7)
Suri Nash (Laila Robins)
One of the the director of the CIA we meet who is not fond of Robyn going rogue and trying to freelance – at all.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 5
Quotes & Gifs
Mason Quinn (Chris Vance)
A military strategist and terrorist who tried to kill Robyn in the past. He is the first multi-episode, and season, villain that “The Equalizer” introduces.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 8
Nicki (Kaci Walfall)
Delilah’s friend who she meets while working at a juvenile detention center.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 6
Quotes & Gifs
Detective Kenenth Buford Mallory (Dominic Fumusa)
A seasoned detective known for hunting big fish that is expected to shut down Robyn. However, his methods and goal leads him to bumping heads with Detective Dante.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 2 “The Kingdom”
- Background (2.4): Is from Ohio, went to Fresno State, and graduated middle of his class
Quotes & Gifs
Kisha (Imani Lewis)
A young girl Robyn meets when locked up who reminds her of herself.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 4 “The People Aren’t Ready”
Quotes & Gifs
Jessie (Jada Pinkett-Smith)
Jessie Cook, also known as “The Worm,” is a notable art thief who previously worked with Robyn and Bishop in the past, but her methods, which often require on-the-fly thinking, didn’t mesh well with their thought-out plans.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 10 “Legacy”
Quotes & Gifs
Different doesn’t make deficient.
— Jessie (2.10)
Kyler (Destin Khari)
Kyler is Dante and Vanessa’s eldest son.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 13 “D.W.B.”
Quotes
Stefon (Tyler Williams)
Stefon is Dante and Vanessa’s youngest son.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 13 “D.W.B.”
Quotes
Vanessa (Tawny Cypress)
Vanessa is Dante’s ex-wife who works on Wall Street
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 13 “D.W.B.”
Quotes
Carol (Valarie Pettiford)
Carol is Dante’s mother and Big Ben’s wife, who often tries to look for the best in people.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 13 “D.W.B.”
Quotes
Miles (Stephen Bishop)
Miles is Robyn’s ex-husband who she met while he was working at doctor’s without borders. But now he is just a surgeon Robyn calls upon when a client is in trouble.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 15 “Hard Money”
- How Long Has He Known Robyn (2.15): At least 20 years
- Background (5.10): Miles had to work two jobs, and take out a loan, to get into a Ivy League school since his parents couldn’t afford it
Quotes
Colton Fisk (Donal Logue)
Colton Fisk is a top-level agent of the CIA who was a major spy hunter in the 90s who took out FSB and MSS members.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 5
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Dan in “Dummy,” Harvey Bullock in “Gotham” and Sean Finnerty in “Grounded For Life”
Quotes
Dorian (Christian Coulson)
A doctoral candidate studying financial modeling for certainties, what draws attention to Dorian is coming up with the God Algorithm. Now, what is that? Well, he has developed an algorithm that allows him to hack into anything. He can hack into Bitcoin, government systems, and anything that is computer-based he can access, and because he recklessly tries to con governments and organizations, he puts himself in harm’s way.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 5
Quotes & Gifs
Jewel (Lorna Courtney)
Jewel is the person who triggers Robyn’s decision to become The Equalizer. Originally, Jewel was prepping for college, with a big scholarship interview in the coming days. But after witnessing a murder, she found herself pinned for the killing and relying on Robyn’s team to exonerate her.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 1 “The Equalizer”
Quotes & Gifs
Carla (Alexandra Socha)
Carla is David’s 25-year-old daughter who, for most of her life, didn’t know her dad worked as a secret agent for the government.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 8
- Occupation (1.8): Conflict journalist
Quotes & Gifs
David Henson (Jordan Lage)
Davis is, or was, Robyn’s mentor who saved her life.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 8
Detective Paley (Erica Camarano)
One of Dante’s friends who led him to call Robyn to help with a bank robbery he can’t solve.
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 1 “Aftermath”
Atticus Lee (Abdul L. Howard)
Atticus is a veteran who has documents that reveal Sanford Ganis, among others, killed a journalist and a political leader, and all for the sake of US capitalism.
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 1 “Aftermath”
Sanford Ganis (Marc Kudish)
A congressman from New York who is on the intelligence committee.
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 1 “Aftermath”
Remy Hollenbach (David St. Louis)
One of Sanford’s top bodyguards and advisors.
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 1 “Aftermath”
Ali (Arash Demaxi)
The son of a Saudi Diplomat who is being hunted under the assumption he is a dissident.
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 2 “The Kingdom”
- Age (2.2): Is 20 something
Reza (Babak Tafti)
A close associate of Ali, who owns a hookah bar.
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 2 “The Kingdom”
Zaki (Sevan)
Someone who had to leave Saudi Arabia due to fear, who Harry hits up for information to save Ali but may ultimately have become a friend.
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 2 “The Kingdom”
Mira (Melis Aker)
Ali’s sister who calls on Robyn to help
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 2 “The Kingdom”
Nora (Jacqueline Antaramian)
Ali and Mira’s mother.
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 2 “The Kingdom”
Hasan (Nasser Faris)
Ali and Mira’s father, Nora’s husband, who is a high-ranking diplomat for Saudi Arabia.
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 2 “The Kingdom”
ADA Ellis (Armando Riesco)
DA Grafton’s second in command, whose focus on court wins, led to a confrontation with Detective Dante.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 4 “The People Aren’t Ready”
Quotes & Gifs
Rachel (Nadia Gan)
Rachel is part of a true crime group that brings to Robyn’s attention a woman who is being stalked.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 5 “Followers”
Quotes & Gifs
Vicki (Taylor Steward)
Vicki is the person who would have become a victim if it hadn’t been for Robyn.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 5 “Followers”
Quotes & Gifs
Abe (Erik Jensen)
One of the members of Rachel’s true crimes group, who hoped to bust the case before Robyn
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 5 “Followers”
Quotes & Gifs
Brandon (Kevin Isola)
One of the people accused of stalking Vicki and planning to do her harm.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 5 “Followers”
Quotes & Gifs
Lori (Diana Henry)
An entitled woman who causes issues for Aunt Vi.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 5 “Followers”
Quotes & Gifs
Amber (Kaley Ronayne)
A childhood friend of Vicki’s who has long been jealous of her.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 5 “Followers”
Quotes & Gifs
Erickson (Terry Serpico)
Erickson trained Mel to be a sniper and because she refused to follow an order she thought was unjust, he uses her as a cautionary tale.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 6 “Shooter”
Quotes & Gifs
Silas (Shea Buckner)
Silas is an Air Force veteran, specifically a sniper, who did two tours in Iraq and three in Afghanistan, and while he received an honorable discharge, it is noted that it wasn’t a clean exit. His exit from the military aside, what has him become the focus of Robyn is his difficulty in readjusting to civilian life, especially after the dissolution of his marriage, which leads to him going on a shooting spree.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 6 “Shooter”
Quotes & Gifs
Hassan Talib (Anthony Azizi)
Educated in Madrid, Spain, and radicalized in Syria after a bombing killed his family, the man known as “The Architect” is an internationally wanted terrorist.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 7 “When World’s Collide”
Quotes & Gifs
Zade (Wesam Keesh)
Zade is a first-generation Syrian-American getting a Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University and Bishop’s secret son.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 7 “When World’s Collide”
- The Full Story (2.7): Bishop met Zade’s mother, Adhara, when she was married to Hassan. Their relationship, which started when they were in college in Madrid, turned sour after Hassan became radicalized. Adhara was allowed to escape her husband, and Bishop paved that path, but due to them having to hold for a clear, the two talked and eventually, when Adhara was on American soil, had Zade. However, due to Bishop’s job, he has kept tabs on his son, but Zade wasn’t made aware of who his real father is.
Quotes & Gifs
Alma Castillo (Andrea Cortés)
In 2020, Alma tried to seek asylum in the United States after leaving her home country after her husband’s murder. However, what she experienced instead was the bureaucracy that separated her from her 6-year-old son.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 8 “Separated”
Quotes & Gifs
Pedro (Logan J. Alarcon-Poucel)
Perdo is Alma’s son who, because of ICE, was separated from his mother and ended up bouncing around from place to place and even into the foster system.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 8 “Separated”
Quotes & Gifs
Daoud (Maxwell Whittington-Cooper)
Daoud is Dilemma’s oldest son, who has been rapping since he was 8 years old and wants to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 9 “Bout That Life”
Quotes & Gifs
Dilemma (Rick Ross)
Dilemma is a rapper who had a PR beef with another rapper, Dre Bids. Their beef, which led to their groups, B-Set and Shotta Boys, going to war, caused major issues in their areas. Dilemma tried to squash this beef but before he could, Dre Bids was shot.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 9 “Bout That Life”
Quotes & Gifs
Brawlah (Ade Chike Torbert)
Brawlah is a protege of Dre Bids, who inherits his place in the rap game with his death.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 9 “Bout That Life”
Quotes & Gifs
Cameron (Nathaniel McIntyre)
Cameron is a Junior who is a straight-A student but doesn’t want to go to college. The reason? He doesn’t want to pay to go somewhere he isn’t wanted, and with a sneaker business that is taking off, it appears the Academy of YouTube and free learning materials online have better served him.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 9 “Bout That Life”
Quotes & Gifs
Nasir (Jordan Aaron Hall)
Nasir is Dilemma’s youngest son, who is more introverted than his brother and father and focuses on drawing than rapping.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 9 “Bout That Life”
Quotes & Gifs
Vera (Christina Angelica)
Vera is Delilah’s friend who is applying to be an intern at the UN.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 10 “Legacy”
Quotes & Gifs
Roger Nardoni (Ward Hortin)
Roger Nardoni is the CEO of the international logistic company which built its wealth from stealing from a Black family during the Tulsa Riots.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2/ Episode 10 “Legacy”
Quotes & Gifs
Ms. Li (Jo Yang)
The owner of Eight Treasure Bakery who immigrated to the United States in the 70s and is a known maternal figure throughout Chinatown.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 11 “Chinatown”
Quotes
Frank (Alex Breaux)
Frank was one of the last people to see Ms. Li before she was murdered and knows more than he lets on.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 11 “Chinatown”
Quotes
Ray (Perry Yung)
Ray is a former cop whose beat was Chinatown, and one of his main focuses over his 30-year career was dealing with all the hate crimes in his district. However, with not landing as many as he’d liked, he had become frustrated, and it made retirement blissful despite feeling he didn’t get to do enough for his community.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 11 “Chinatown”
Quotes
Chloe (Celia Au)
Chloe was one of the kids who Ms. Li found herself often watching throughout her day, and she is the one who came to Robyn asking for her.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 11 “Chinatown”
Quotes
Shira (Christina Brucato)
Shira is Mel’s best friend.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 12 “Somewhere Over The Hudson”
Quotes
Jackie Flower (J.J. Wynder-Wilkins)
Jackie is an underaged car thief who worked for Floyd until Floyd screwed him over.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 12 “Somewhere Over The Hudson”
Quotes
Floyd (Alphonso Walker Jr.)
Floyd is the leader of a local car-stripping organization.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 12 “Somewhere Over The Hudson”
Quotes
Bert (Josh Cooke)
Bert is a former mob accountant who contacts Robyn, hoping to get her to protect him as he tries to get back the ledger he needs to secure witness protection.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 12 “Somewhere Over The Hudson”
Quotes
Rae (Louisa Krause)
Rae is Floyd’s girlfriend who shows an interest in Bert since he is far nicer.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 12 “Somewhere Over The Hudson”
Quotes
Jim Barnes (Lee Tergesen)
At one time, Jim was a rookie cop who saw his partner allow things to get out of hand and lose his career over it. 27 years later, Jim finds himself in the same position with Dante but plans not to go out as his senior partner did.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 13 “D.W.B.”
Quotes
Deputy Morales (Brandpm Esponoza)
Deputy Morales is Jim Barnes’ partner in the force, whom Dante appeals to because they both have children.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 13 “D.W.B.”
Quotes
Carter (Brett Dalton)
Carter is a member of the CIA tasked with being Marcela’s handler.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 14 “Pulse”
Quotes
Paulie (Max Darwin)
Paulie is one of Harry’s friends from his past life, and he has a one-sided friendship in Paulie’s favor.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 14 “Pulse”
Quotes
Marcela (Maria River)
Marcela is one of Robyn’s old proteges who gets involved in a case that leads her to hit up her former mentor despite Robyn’s exit from the CIA.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 14 “Pulse”
Quotes
Captain McGuire (Ed Moran)
Captain McGuire is the head of the NYPD’s bomb squad.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 1
- Other Productions You May Know Ed Moran In: Inspector Deputy McDonagh (The Deuce), and Henry Ford (The Plot Against America)
Quotes
Trish (Gloria Reuben)
Trish is Aunt Vi’s girlfriend.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 3
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Krista Gordon in “Mr. Robot,” Valerie Jarrett in “The First Lady,” Eloise Hastings in “City on a Hill,” Jeanie Boulet in “ER,” Rosalind Whitman in “Raising the Bar”
Jeff (Dom Kegel) and Sam (Riley Cooper)
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 2 “Where’s There Smoke”
Xavier (Michael Emery)
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 2 “Where’s There Smoke”
Captain Sanders (Chance Kelly)
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 2 “Where’s There Smoke”
Derrick (Brett Diggs) and Juan (Michael Vidal)
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 2 “Where’s There Smoke”
Kaylee (Carly or Cassidy Goron)
Evelyn (Elizabeth Stanley)
Richard (Jeff Barry)
Alex (Rebecca Brooksher)
T-Bone (Charles Brice)
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 4
Buffalo Joe (Big Daddy Kane)
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 4
Councilman Moore (Ezra Knight)
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 4
Storm (Brittany Adebumola)
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 4
Misty (Kelly Rowland)
Misty is a musician being threatened, and Robyn’s team has been hired to be private security.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 7
Ruby (Camilla Mana)
Ruby is Mel’s sister who touts herself as the perfect one who has it all together, but it is made clear by the end of her introductory episode that this isn’t the case.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 8 “He Ain’t Heavy”
- Family Life (3.8): She is married, has three children, lives in Connecticut, and helps to take care of her, Mel, Edison, and Matthew’s parents
Journey (J Alexis James)
Journey is an artist who Vi bonds with at an art exhibit competition, as they both are anxious about the results.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 8 “He Ain’t Heavy”
Edison Bayani (Travis Salter)
Edison is Mel’s brother, a Hedge Fund Manager at Vertex Investments.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 8 “He Ain’t Heavy”
Tim (Patrick Cage)
A safe cracker who went legit after a prison sentence. He gets dragged back into crime after Randall takes his brother Shawn hostage.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 9 “Second Chance”
Quotes
Shawn (Jevon Donaldson)
Jevon is Shawn’s little brother whose kidnapping leads him to turn to Robyn for help.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 9 “Second Chance”
Quotes
Randall Grayle (Berton Colon)
Randall Grayle is Detective Dante’s Mason Quinn, who he has been hunting for years because he is a cop killer.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 9 “Second Chance”
Quotes
Bruce Gregory (Derrick Williams)
Commander Gregory is a by-the-books officer with a spotless record who makes things complicated for Robyn when she is involved in a hostage situation on behalf of the hostage taker.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 10 “Do No Harm”
Quotes
Lauren (Paula Jon DeRose)
Lauren is a desperate mother willing to do whatever it takes to get her daughter the surgery she needs – think “John Q.”
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 10 “Do No Harm”
Quotes
Emily (Juliana Davies)
Emily is Lauren’s daughter who suffers from Polymicrogyria.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 10 “Do No Harm”
Quotes
Rabbi Altman (Richard Masur)
Rabbi Altman works out of a temple in Midwood and knew Harry and his mom before Harry’s mom and dad divorced.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 11 “Never Again”
Quotes
Roy/ Eric (Corey Cott)
Roy, real name Eric, is dealing with memory loss and is hoping he didn’t do something he’ll regret or get him in trouble when he first meets Robyn and asks her to help.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3 Episode 12 “Lost and Found”
Quotes
Rodolfo (A.J. Hierro)
Rodolfo is a thug who killed a member of Eric’s family in retaliation of Eric testifying against him.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3 Episode 12 “Lost and Found”
Quotes
Jackson (Maliq Johnson)
Jackson is a kid who trains at Manny’s gym and likes Delilah.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3 Episode 12 “Lost and Found”
Quotes
Shawn (Chakeefe Gordon)
Shawn is Manny’s son, who has a strained relationship with his dad due to Manny’s dedication to the gym over his son and Shawn’s mother.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 13 “Patriot Game”
Quotes
Manny (Malik Yoba)
Manny owns a boxing gym that has been a staple of his community for a long time, at least 40 years, and has taken on being a mentor to many, including Detective Dante.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 5
- Background (3.12): Is a golden gloves champ and had a shot at the title once—specifically the welterweight title, which he did win.
- It’s Passed Down (3.13): Manny blames his sordid relationship with his son Shawn is partly due to his relationship with his own father and the generational trauma they’ve dealt with.
Quotes
Angie (Leslie Fray)
Angie is Aunt Vi’s masseuse dealing with a domestic violence situation made complicated because she shares an 8 year old with her abuser.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 15 “No Way Out”
Quotes
Doug (Ben Thompson)
Doug is Angie’s husband and abuser.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 15 “No Way Out”
- Real Name (3.15): Felix White
Quotes
Captain Grace Watkins (Indira G. Wilson)
Captain Watkins is Detective Dante’s new boss who is very by the book and is trying to clean up the department and its reputation.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 15 “No Way Out”
Quotes
Lo-Lo (Jhulenty Delossantos)
Lo-Lo is a local drug dealer who had an altercation with Manny over Jackson working for him.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 15 “No Way Out”
Quotes
Rick Dawson (Andrew Stewart-Jones)
A former MI-6 agent and love interest of Robyn, who had to go cold after killing Diego Alcazar.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 16 “Love Hurts”
Quotes
Diego (David Fumero)
A major figure in the criminal underworld wanted by multiple spy agencies.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 16 “Love Hurts”
Quotes
John McCall (Morocco Omari)
John is Robyn’s father, Aunt Vi’s brother.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 17 “Justified”
- How long has he been dead (3.17): Around 30 years ago, when Robyn was about 17 in 1996
Quotes
Yancy Turner (Manny Perez)
Yancy is the man who killed John McCall and later in life became the head of the biggest crime syndicate in Brooklyn.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 17 “Justified”
Quotes
Demetrius (Elvis Nolasco)
Demetrius used to run with Yancy before Yancy became big, and bore witness to Yancy murdering John McCall.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 17 “Justified”
- A Reformed Man (3.17): After going to prison, he changed his name to Abdul Mohammed and became an Imam at the Hillcrest Majid.
Quotes
Mary (Natalie Kaye Clater)
Mary is a neighbor of John and Robyn who, unfortunately, in protecting her from Yancy and Demetrius, set up the events that led to John’s death.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 17 “Justified”
Quotes
Drake (P.J. Sosko)
Drake is a man down on his luck robbing a store Aunt Vi and Delilah were shopping in.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 18 “Eye for an Eye”
Quotes
Enrique Vargas (Joseph Melendez)
Enrique is the head of a group of Venezuelan freedom fighters that were abandoned by the CIA.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 18 “Eye for an Eye”
Quotes
Jakob (Steve Rosen)
A chemist who works for hire, no matter who is paying him to make any type of cocktail.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 18 “Eye for an Eye”
Quotes
Michelle Chambers (Ilfenesh Hadera)
Robyn’s CIA protege, who she thought died in Venezuela.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: The Equalizer: Season 3/ Episode 18 “Eye for an Eye”
Diane Greene (Margaret Reed)
Diane Greene is the new CIA Director, replacing Director Suri Nash, who isn’t as hardline as Director Nash but is still a loyal soldier.
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 1 “Truth for a Truth”
Additional Information
Quotes
Briggs (Eden Marryshow)
Briggs is the leader, or one of the leaders, of Bishop’s Security Team, and from his conversation with Delilah, we learn he was in his high school’s ROTC, went to West Point, spent 15 years in army intelligence, and speaks three different languages.
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 1 “Truth for a Truth”
Additional Information
Quotes
Donald Leland (Philip Casnoff)
Donald Leland is the current, former, as of the end of the episode, Secretary of State, who issued the order to withdraw from Venezuela due to him holding properties there.
- Introduced In: Season 4/ Episode 1 “Truth for a Truth”
Additional Information
Quotes
Christine (Leilany Celeste)
Christine works at a chop shop to make ends meet after her parents gave her an ultimatum of either doing things their way or becoming homeless.
- Introduced In: Season 4 Episode 2: Full Throttle
Additional Information
Quotes
Ari (Havon Baraka)
Ari is the son of a consulate member, who loves cars and is also on the spectrum.
- Introduced In: Season 4 Episode 2: Full Throttle
Additional Information
Quotes
Sara
Played by: Auden Thornton
Sara is Michael’s wife, who recently gave birth to their child and goes to Robyn hoping for help.
- Introduced In: S04E03
Additional Information
Quotes
Michael
Played by: Ross Alden
Michael Conway is one-half of the owners of Beltany Realty, one of the biggest realty firms in New York City, who, in pursuit of creating a homeless shelter, stumbled upon corruption that, with his desire to expose it, was killed.
- Introduced In: S04E03
Additional Information
Quotes
Clay
Played by: Marvin Jones III
Clay Johnson is a veteran who is blind, thanks to a munitions accident, who lives in the bowels of the subway, pickpocketing to make ends meet.
- Introduced In: S04E03
- The actor is also known for their role in “Black Lightning: Season 1.”
Additional Information
Quotes
Mo
Played by: Scott William Winters
Mo Brown is the head of the Westies, a New York-based Irish Mob who murdered Michael.
- Introduced In: S04E03
Additional Information
Quotes
Mr. Otis
Played by: Franklin Ojeda Smith
Mr. Otis and his wife, Ms. Bella, were neighbors of Robyn and Aunt Vi when Bella was alive. However, now Mr. Otis lives at a retirement home, having a really good time.
- Introduced In: S04E03
- The actor is also known for their role in “Gossamer Folds.”
Additional Information
Quotes
JJ (Mike Epps)
JJ is a conman and a gambling addict, who has spent almost a decade in prison due to a burglary gone wrong. However, with losing a friend in that burglary and time passing, he seems to desire to turn his life around, though he can be easily tempted.
- Introduced In: S04E04
- The actor is also known for their role in “I’m a Virgo.”
Additional Information
- :
Quotes
Detective Rose Garcia (Gisela Chípe)
Rose Garcia is a vice cop who got Marcus Dante through the academy and was one of his first (platonic) partners on the force.
- Introduced In: S04E04
Additional Information
- :
Quotes
Charles Benson (Elliot Villar)
Charles Benson used to run and do crimes with JJ and a woman named Sylvia, until a botched robbery got Sylvia killed and JJ put in prison. Since then, he has risen through the Blanco Syndicate’s ranks, and now he runs not only a casino but also traffics guns and other illegal items.
- Introduced In: S04E04
- The actor is also known for their role in “The Chi: Season 2, Episode 7.”
Additional Information
- :
Quotes
Matthew (Alain Uy)
Matthew is one of the three boys of the Biyani family, and to Mel’s surprise, like her, he got into the military. However, while she thought he was stationed at a NATO base in Turkey, doing resource analysis, in truth he was part of a strike force named “Red Cell” that handled situations the Government didn’t want connected to their name.
- Introduced In: Season 4 Episode 5
- The actor is also known for their role in “Fantasy Island: Season 1/ Episodes 9 & 10.”
Additional Information
- :
Quotes
Raya (Avery Sands)
Raya is one of Delilah’s friends, not a close friend but a friend nonetheless, who has recently come out as trans. Her mother supports her and even encourages her to join a House, specifically the House of DuBois.
- Introduced In: Season 4 Episode 7
Additional Information
- :
Quotes
Tyrese (Khouri St. Surin)
Tyrese is a friend of Cam whose life isn’t going so well. His mom has mental health struggles, which leads her to be violent, and alongside that, he is responsible for keeping his little sisters from going hungry. Add in him being a proud man, too big for sympathy or help, and it seems he is bound for a challenging road.
- Introduced In: Season 4 Episode 8
Additional Information
James (Neil Brown Jr.)
Character Description
James is a defense attorney who, despite only recently becoming known to Marcus, has been in Ben’s life even before Ben went to prison. In fact, James relays that he saw Ben in prison while Marcus decided to disown him, thus creating a bit of a rift between them, even though they appear to be aligned when it comes to other aspects of their individual lives.
Additional Information
- Introduced in Season 5/ Episode 9 | Original Actor Is Also Known For: Straight Outta Compton
Mr. Bayani (Jon Jon Briones)
Character Description
A veteran of the Phillippines, when occupied by Japan, Mr. Bayani had suffered, for nine days, at the hand of the Moro National Liberation Front, and his lack of support for Mel came from what he went through serving his country. This is something he doesn’t talk about due to the trauma.
Additional Information
- Introduced in Season 5/ Episode 10 | Original Actor Is Also Known For:
Lorna Bayani (Ching Valdes-Aran)
Character Description
Lorna is the mother of Mel and her siblings.
Additional Information
- Introduced in Season 5/ Episode 10
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