Eriq La Salle has been in the entertainment industry for over four decades, embodying both talent and longevity. In his latest project, the Prime Video series On Call, he takes on multiple roles—not only as a lead actor but also as an executive producer and director.
Many remember him as the smooth-talking Darryl Jenks in the classic Coming to America, but it was his role as Dr. Peter Benton on ER that truly cemented his place in television history. His work on the hit medical drama not only made him a household name but also earned him three NAACP Image Awards and a SAG Award.
Beyond acting, La Salle has spent years honing his skills behind the camera. His credits as a director and producer include episodes of Law & Order, Chicago P.D., Lucifer, and The Twilight Zone. Now, with On Call, he takes that experience to new heights as Sergeant Lasman, both in front of and behind the camera.
Premiering on January 9, On Call quickly became a global hit, ranking number one in 40 different countries and topping the U.S. Prime Video charts. The show, which follows the daily challenges of beat cops responding to high-stakes emergencies, has been praised for its gritty realism and compelling storytelling.
“You can’t ask for much more than that. It’s a cool show, we’ve had a lot of really positive feedback, and the best compliment is that people just want to know when the next season is coming. They want us to add more episodes!” La Salle said in an interview with The Quintessential Gentleman about the response to the show.
La Salle directed half of the episodes this season, making On Call a deeply personal project.
“I love the show, and I’m not just acting in it—I’m executive producing and directing. I wanted to do the trifecta on this one, so it’s definitely a special project for me,” he shared. “When you’re an actor, you focus on acting, you focus on your role. When you’re a director, you focus on everything, on makeup, wardrobe, every actor, the writing, the script, the cinematography. It just requires a lot more.”
On Call isn’t your typical police series about officers taking down criminals. Set against the backdrop of Long Beach, California it also explores the moral dilemmas officers face—balancing humanity with their duty to enforce the law. Even the way the series is shot is unique, incorporating footage from cell phones, dash cams, and body cams to provide a raw, immersive perspective.
“So just anytime you can do something that feels different,” La Salle said. “The fact that this one is streaming gave us more freedom of language, content, and execution…because it’s a new show, I directed the pilot, I got to put my stamp on this.”
Few actors manage to maintain relevance for decades, especially Black actors, but La Salle’s career is a masterclass in adaptability.
Check out the full interview. On Call doesn’t have an official Season 2 yet, but we hope it gets greenlit soon.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Morris/Prime
