You know that feeling when you're watching a show and a guy walks on screen, and you immediately point at the TV and say, "Hey, it’s that guy!"? That is basically the career of Leonard Earl Howze in a nutshell. He has one of those faces that feels like home. Whether he’s playing the lovable, lovestruck immigrant in a Chicago barbershop or a deadpan cop in the suburbs of New York, he brings this specific kind of warmth that’s actually pretty hard to find in Hollywood these days.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Howze didn't just stumble into acting. He’s classically trained, having sharpened his teeth at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and later earning a BFA from SUNY Purchase. That formal background is probably why he can hop between broad sitcom comedy and gritty indie dramas without ever looking like he’s trying too hard. Honestly, he’s one of those "glue" actors—the kind of performer who makes everyone else in the scene look better.
The Barbershop Breakthrough and Early Film Career
If we’re talking about leonard earl howze movies and tv shows, we have to start with the movie that put him on the map: Barbershop (2002). He played Dinka, the sweet, optimistic Nigerian barber who was hopelessly in love with Terri (played by Eve). It was a breakout role. While the movie was full of big personalities like Ice Cube and Cedric the Entertainer, Dinka provided the heart. He reprised the role in Barbershop 2: Back in Business in 2004, proving that his comedic timing wasn't just a fluke.
Right around that same time, he showed up in Antwone Fisher (2002). Working under Denzel Washington’s direction is no small feat for a newcomer, but Howze held his own as "Pork Chop." It was a complete pivot from the lighthearted vibe of the barbershop.
A Career of Character Work
People often forget how much he’s actually done in film. Look at his credits and you'll see a wild mix:
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- The Ringer (2005): He played Mark, part of the ensemble in this Johnny Knoxville comedy.
- School for Scoundrels (2006): A small but memorable turn as a classmate.
- The Lone Ranger (2013): He played Homer in this big-budget Disney spectacle.
- True Memoirs of an International Assassin (2016): He teamed up with Kevin James for the first time here, playing Michael Cleveland.
It's a weirdly diverse list. He’s done the big blockbusters and the tiny indies like Faults (2014) or the moody Live Cargo (2016). Most actors get stuck in one lane. Howze sorta just ignores the lanes entirely.
Transitioning to Television: From Memphis Beat to Kevin Can Wait
While movies gave him his start, TV is where Leonard Earl Howze really became a household fixture. In 2010, he landed a series regular role in Memphis Beat. He played Detective Reginald Greenback. The show had a cult following, mostly because it felt different from the standard "cop-of-the-week" procedurals. Howze brought a grounded, steady energy to the squad room that balanced out the more eccentric characters.
Then came the big one: Kevin Can Wait.
For 48 episodes, Howze played Tyrone "Goody" Goodman, one of Kevin James' retired police buddies. If you watched the show, you know Goody was basically the voice of reason—or at least the guy trying to keep the chaos at a manageable level. He had great chemistry with the rest of the "retirement crew," including Gary Valentine and Christopher Brian Roach. It was classic multi-cam sitcom work, and Howze made it look easy.
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Notable Guest Appearances
Even when he’s not the lead, he’s everywhere. You’ve probably spotted him in:
- Shameless: He had a memorable bit as Frank’s co-worker.
- NCIS: A quick turn as a security guard.
- The League: Playing a sky cap in the hilarious "The Bye Week" episode.
- Masters of Sex: A more dramatic guest spot that showed off his range.
It’s almost a game at this point to see where he’ll pop up next. He has this ability to disappear into a role, whether he's wearing a police uniform or a hospital gown.
The Recent Years: The Upshaws and Beyond
Lately, Howze has been a recurring face on the Netflix hit The Upshaws. Playing Davis, he fits right into the family dynamic. The show is known for its fast-paced, "roasting" style of humor, and Howze handles the banter like a pro. It’s a bit of a throwback to the energy of Barbershop—ensemble-driven, culturally resonant, and genuinely funny.
He also joined the cast of Florida Man on Netflix, playing Ray-Ray. The show is a bit darker and more surreal than his sitcom work, which keeps things interesting. He’s currently active in the industry, and as of early 2026, he remains a consistent presence in both streaming series and independent cinema.
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Why He’s More Than Just a Sidekick
There is a tendency in Hollywood to pigeonhole actors of Howze's stature into "best friend" roles. And yeah, he’s played a lot of friends. But if you look closer, there’s a lot of nuance in how he approaches them. Dinka wasn't just a comic relief character; he was a guy dealing with the struggle of being an immigrant and trying to find his place. Goody wasn't just a sidekick; he was a guy navigating the weird transition into retirement.
Howze brings a level of dignity to his characters. He doesn't play them as caricatures. He plays them as people you actually know. That’s probably why he’s stayed so busy for over twenty years in a business that usually spits people out after five.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you want to really appreciate his range, don't just stick to the hits.
- Watch the "Barbershop" duology back-to-back: See how he evolves the character of Dinka from a lovestruck kid to a core member of the shop.
- Check out "Memphis Beat": It’s a great example of his dramatic timing that often gets overshadowed by his comedy.
- Follow his indie work: Films like Live Cargo show a completely different, much more atmospheric side of his acting.
The best way to support character actors like Howze is to seek out their smaller projects. They are the backbone of the industry, providing the texture and reality that stars often can't. Whether he's in a barber chair or a squad car, Leonard Earl Howze is always worth watching.
To keep up with his latest work, check his credits on streaming platforms like Netflix and Max, where most of his recent series are currently housed. Watching his progression from a 2002 breakout to a 2026 veteran is a masterclass in career longevity.