In a testament to raw talent and real-world experience, Benjamin Levy Aguilar, who brilliantly portrays rookie cop Dante Torres on Chicago P.D., spontaneously improvised one of the character’s most intense and defining fight scenes. His extensive background in martial arts, particularly Krav Maga, directly informed the visceral brutality of Torres‘ off-duty actions, cementing the character’s complex nature as both a dedicated officer and a force of primal survival.
For fans of Chicago P.D., the character of Dante Torres, played with compelling intensity by Benjamin Levy Aguilar, quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. A rookie cop with a complicated past and a fierce sense of loyalty, Torres has consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional police work, often resorting to raw instinct when the situation demands it. One particular scene in Season 10 left viewers—and even the actor himself—stunned by its unscripted ferocity, revealing the true depth of Aguilar‘s commitment to his craft and his character.
The Raw Power of Improvisation: Torres’ Unforgettable Scene
The pivotal moment unfolded in Season 10, Episode 4, titled “Dónde Vives.” The episode centered on the murder of Torres‘ neighbor, drawing him into a deeply personal case that challenged his dual roles as a police officer and a dedicated community member. As the pressure mounted, Torres reached a breaking point, culminating in a brutal, off-duty beating of a local gang member. This explosive display of raw emotion and physicality was, remarkably, entirely unscripted.
“In that moment, when I did it the first take, it just came at me because you can’t fake that,” Aguilar shared with NBC Insider. The actor explained that Torres‘ actions stemmed from a primal urge to protect his mother “at all costs.” When other avenues failed, Torres “just decided to be the most animalistic version of himself, the most survival mode version of himself, and take matters into his own hands, and demand respect.” This moment, according to Aguilar, showcased “the broadest version of Torres,” highlighting his inherent danger to “the wrong people” and his unwavering commitment to fighting for what he believes in.
Beyond the Badge: Benjamin Levy Aguilar’s Real-World Expertise
What makes Aguilar‘s improvisation so authentic is his extensive real-world background, which perfectly aligns with the demanding physicality and intense characterization of Dante Torres. The actor is not just portraying a skilled fighter; he embodies it through years of dedicated training:
- Martial Arts Mastery: Aguilar boasts over 13 years of experience in martial arts.
- Krav Maga Training: He has trained in Krav Maga, the Israeli self-defense system, since he was 14 years old.
- Security Professional: Before his acting career, Aguilar worked in security at the Israeli Embassy and at presidential elections in his native Guatemala.
These real-life skills are invaluable assets in bringing Torres to life. Aguilar describes the improvisation as instinctual, a natural outpouring of his training. “I didn’t plan it,” he revealed. “And I say it humbly, but it’s been so much training for me that that just literally comes so instinctual to me that it was one of the most natural things I’ve ever done.” This deep well of experience allows him to tap into “aggression and a lot of things that have come easy to me as an actor because of the intensity of my training and the emotion that is required to practice such a type of self-defense.”
Dante Torres: A Character of Depth and Conflict
Aguilar‘s insight into Torres reveals a character designed for compelling dramatic arcs. He views Torres as “a very interesting and very dangerous character” because of his unwavering resolve to stand up for justice and protect his loved ones, regardless of whether he’s acting as an officer or an individual. This inherent conflict and moral ambiguity define Torres, making him a fascinating addition to the Intelligence Unit.
From early on, Torres has demonstrated a knack for navigating morally complex situations, often going undercover and immersing himself in dangerous environments. In Season 10, Episode 13, “The Ghost in You,” for instance, Torres again went undercover, a recurring task that showcases his adaptability and Aguilar‘s consistently impressive portrayal, as noted in the episode’s storyline summary on IMDb. This pattern of putting himself on the line, combined with his raw personal history, paints a picture of a character with many layers yet to be uncovered.
What Lies Ahead for Our Favorite Rookie?
The future for Dante Torres on Chicago P.D. promises to be as dynamic and complex as his introduction. Fans can anticipate further development in his personal and professional life. There’s hope for the return of Torres‘ love interest, Mia, and the exciting prospect of seeing the popular Torres-Atwater partnership team up again this season. These relationships are key to revealing new facets of Torres‘ personality and challenges.
Beyond existing relationships, Aguilar has hinted at more deep dives into his character’s psyche. While details remain under wraps, he confirmed that “there’s gonna be an episode coming up that is more Torres-based,” promising “something gritty and something deep.” Aguilar believes Torres‘ life is rich with untold stories, from his childhood to his future, offering endless possibilities for exploration. His narrative is expected to continue with an “existential crisis,” further exploring the internal struggles that define him, as confirmed by NBC Insider.
The Fan Connection: Why Torres Resonates
The authenticity Benjamin Levy Aguilar brings to Dante Torres is a significant reason for the character’s strong resonance within the Chicago P.D. fan community. Viewers are drawn to Torres‘ blend of vulnerability and formidable strength, his moral tightrope walk, and his dedication to those he cares about. Aguilar‘s ability to infuse Torres with such genuine, instinctual reactions, especially in high-stakes moments, makes him incredibly believable and captivating. He embodies the complex reality of a police officer grappling with personal demons and a deep-seated need for justice, often outside the confines of standard procedure, creating compelling and unforgettable television.
Where to Watch Chicago P.D.
To follow Dante Torres‘ journey and the rest of the Intelligence Unit, catch new episodes of Chicago P.D. on NBC Wednesdays at 10/9c. You can also stream episodes the next day on Peacock.
