Bentley died on a Tuesday night (January 18 2005) when his vehicle plunged off the San Diego Freeway, manager Susan Ferris said. He was the only person in the vehicle ejecting him from the vehicle.
Born “Artimus Lamont Bentley” in Milwaukee on October 25, 1973, his mother, Loyce, moved the family to Los Angeles, in the hopes that she could ignite her own career as a singer. But Lamont’s antics at his mother’s auditions caused everyone to laugh, and someone suggested he get in front of the camera, as a child comic. He was cast in a Starbucks TV spot, among others, and his job as a child actor was launched. Later on, he would portray juveniles on TV, even though he was over 18 and “playing down.” Most notably, his performance as a teenaged father (in a public-service announcement) who opts to babysit his infant son instead of playing in a high school football game, was lauded by his peers.
Bentley, 31, played Hakeem Campbell, the longtime friend of pop singer Brandy's character, Moesha Mitchell, in the UPN sitcom "Moesha."
Bentley had appeared in a number of films, including "The Wash" and "Tales From the Hood." He also played Tupac Shakur in the TV movie, "Too Legit: The MC Hammer Story," and had appeared in guest roles on "The Parkers," "NYPD Blue" and "Clueless."
Bentley is the father of two daughters Brazil and Artesia.
"2005 was a big year for him," Ferris said. "We were very excited because he was coming into his own. It's like a candle being snuffed right out."
This is my ongoing tribute to stars who passed away with little to no fan-fare. Follow my tributes every Tuesday. Thank you Lamont for your contribution to the world and for enriching our lives, may you RIP
I loved the Hakeem character. Lamont seemed to be on his way, my heart goes out to his children, i didnt realize that he had any children. Hopefully trust funds were set up for them.
ReplyDeleteIris
great story so informative. keep the stories coming.
ReplyDeletedirk
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I grew up on Moesha, it was one of the shows that made my teenage years bearable. Lamont's passing didn't get a lot of coverage, so sad. he appeared to be on his way to making a deeper impact in his Hollywood career. I miss him
ReplyDeletebeth ann
Thanks for a great article, it's bitter truth, and a irony when your dreams are on the verge of coming true, with a blink its gone.
ReplyDeleteJanine
this is a really cool concept, yes it could be a dark subject, but it really depends on your delivery. what you have to say a lot of people would be interested in. I look forward to every Tuesday because I almost always learned something new from you.
ReplyDeleteErnie
how crazy, i didnt know that Hakeem passed away, I just thought like with acting you hit, then you struggle for a long time, then you get your second wind. I would truly saddened when I read your Truly Unsung blog this morning. I hope his family are making it through life especially his daughers.
ReplyDeletekellie
Moesha show seems like a curse Brandy had a car accident that ended up killing someone on the PCH, Lamont had a car accident and just recently Yvette wilson passed from Cancer, all of these incidents very eerie for such stars to have to deal with. Whats going on in the wrold?
ReplyDeleteTim
that youngman was only 31 years old, so sad he was just starting to live. everything happens for a reason, in a season where questions aren't always answered. may his soul rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteray