INDIANAPOLIS — You may have just seen Benjamin Levy Aguilar on NBC's "Chicago P.D." He's one of the show's most popular actors.
13News anchor Dustin Grove sat down with Aguilar and learned about the unconventional way he made the cut — and how he didn't take no for an answer.
Each week, Aguilar appears on Chicago P.D. as Ofc. Dante Torres, a member of an undercover unit full of grit, dedication and passion.
In real life, that passion began with soccer in his native Guatemala.
"It was something that really saved my life in the most literal way," said Aguilar. "There was so much trauma at home, addiction, violence, that I just held onto it. I was like, 'This is my way out.'"
Years later, it would turn into a passion for acting that became his ticket out. It was his mother who suggested it, doing so from out of the blue.
"We were renewing my license and she's always been super supportive of me and she just said it. She was like, 'You know, just be an actor, like 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days!'' because we used to watch that. I grew up with a single mother and we liked romantic comedies," he said.
So Aguilar got onto a plane.
"I took a one-way ticket," he said.
He never looked back.
"I worked at Chipotle when I got there, I worked different smoothie shops, I also did personal training to pay the rent, but I was excited about everything. There was no Plan B, no doubt," said Aguilar.
After a few smaller roles here and there, Chicago P.D. came calling.
"I'm filled with gratitude and there are these moments of like, 'Oh my God!' It never gets old for me. I'm always so happy to be here, I truly am. But also, with time, I've learned that this is a craft and that I have it in me to express things about my life and that I'm able to use my voice," Aguilar said.
A real-life lesson that dreams do come true.