Veteran actor Kim Estes has numerous credits under his belt, including hit shows such as “9-1-1,” “Dexter,” “NCIS,” “Criminal Minds” and many more. Estes started his acting career after earning an engineering degree at the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo.

Since pursing a career in Hollywood, Estes has earned an Emmy Award and appeared on more than a hundred television shows and films, as well as numerous theater productions. Estes spoke with BLK News Now! about what inspired him to leap into acting, being inspired by legendary actor Sidney Poitier, and much more.