Actor Biography

Deric Augustine, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, has been immersed in a culture rich in artistry since his childhood, which ignited his passion for acting — a passion first kindled by his late mother when he was just a toddler. He furthered his acting skills on stage as a young theater actor and pursued higher education in theater at the University of New Orleans. After graduating college, Augustine expanded his craft in New York City at the Negro Ensemble Company and William Esper Studio, sharpening his skills in a city known for its theatrical excellence. He continues perfecting his skills working with renowned acting coach Ivanna Chubbuck.

Augustine's acting prowess is best exemplified by his portrayal of Muhammad Ali in MGM+'s "Godfather of Harlem," led Academy Award® winner by Forest Whitaker; his role in Marvel Studios' "Cloak & Dagger," portraying Rockwell; The CW's "The Vampire Diaries" and "All American," portraying Clay Taylor, which ranked No. 1 upon its Netflix debut. His talent has also been showcased across a range of other popular series including Apple TV's "Swagger," portraying Lester Davis; Showtime's "Shameless," portraying Milton, where he shared the screen with Jeremy Allen White; CBS' "Criminal Minds," portraying Ray Murphy, and Array's "Queen Sugar," working alongside two-time Emmy® Award winner Ava DuVernay.

Most recently, Augustine was promoted to series regular in Season 8 of ABC's Nathan Fillion-led "The Rookie," portraying Miles Penn, one of the newest rookies in the LAPD.

In 2024, Augustine launched Augustine's Love Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the memory of his late mother, Donna Augustine. The foundation supports families affected by strokes and brain aneurysms.

In addition to his acting and philanthropic efforts, Augustine's debut into writing comes from his self-published young adult fantasy novel, "Nawlins." The story revolves around Black wizards in Louisiana, and it promises to enthrall readers with its rich narrative and imaginative setting, inspired by his deep roots in New Orleans and can currently be found on shelves at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Kindle.