Richard Brooks

While he shares his name with the late Oscar-winning screenwriter-director and a respected cinematographer, actor Richard Brooks has carved his own niche in show business. The handsome, African-American performer perhaps remains best-known for his three-year (1990-93) stint as assistant district attorney Paul Robinette on NBC's "Law & Order" despite a career that has encompassed stage and screen.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Brooks matriculated at the Interlochen Arts Academy before heading to NYC to study acting in the Circle in the Square training program. Stage roles in plays like "Equus"