Early Acting Career

Bell's journey into acting began with small roles in television series including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Parent 'Hood, Smart Guy, and ER. His first major role came when he played Patrick Owen in the short-lived medical drama L.A. Doctors, which aired for thirteen episodes and provided him with initial industry recognition.

Breakthrough Role in Third Watch

In 1999, Bell gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Officer Ty Davis Jr. in NBC’s drama series Third Watch. The show explored the lives of New York City first responders and ran for six successful seasons. Bell was one of six principal actors who remained throughout the entire series. His performance was well-received by both audiences and critics, establishing him as a reliable and charismatic presence on-screen.

Collaborations and Guest Roles

While still working on Third Watch, Bell appeared in the crime drama Safe, written by fellow cast member Anthony Ruivivar. He acted alongside other Third Watch alumni such as Yvonne Jung and Jason Wiles. After concluding his role on Third Watch, Bell took on a comedic part in the sitcom Half & Half in 2005. He portrayed Glen Stallworth, a San Francisco firefighter entangled in a romantic subplot with a character played by Telma Hopkins. Though his appearance was limited, his performance was noted and referenced throughout the series.

Transition to Film and Further Television Work

In 2006, Bell co-produced and starred in the independent film Drifting Elegant. That same year, he made a guest appearance on Girlfriends in an episode that served as the backdoor pilot for a new series, The Game. In this spin-off, he reprised his role as Jason Pitts, the team captain of the fictional San Diego Sabers football team. Although the show was initially canceled in 2009, it was revived by BET in 2011, where Bell continued his role with enthusiasm and depth.