Artimus Lamont Bentley, known widely by his professional name, Lamont Bentley, was an American actor and aspiring rapper whose promising career was a vibrant, yet tragically brief, flash in the entertainment world.
For millions of fans, he is instantly recognizable as the charismatic and perpetually hungry Hakeem Campbell on the beloved UPN sitcom, Moesha.
Born in 1973, Bentley’s journey was one of relentless dedication to his craft, culminating in a breakthrough role before his sudden, heartbreaking death in 2005 at the age of 31. His work continues to resonate with those who appreciated his genuine talent and perfect comedic timing.
Milwaukee Roots, Hollywood Aspirations
Lamont Bentley was born on October 25, 1973, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Loyce Bentley and Donald L. Gardison. He spent his formative years on the city’s north side, but his ambition quickly outgrew his hometown.
His mother, Loyce, relocated the family to Los Angeles when Bentley was a teenager. While she pursued her own singing dreams, it soon became clear that her son possessed the star quality destined for the Hollywood spotlight.
The Early Hustle: From Starburst to South Central
Bentley’s drive was apparent early on. Friends often recalled him practicing his autograph as early as age 12, a clear sign that he fully expected to achieve fame.
He eventually made the bold decision to drop out of high school, choosing instead to fully commit to the demanding, often uncertain world of acting.
His professional debut arrived in a 1986 Starburst commercial, setting the stage for a slow but steady ascent. To make ends meet before his big break, he took on various odd jobs, including working at movie theaters and grocery stores.
Blessed with a youthful look, he was able to convincingly play teenage roles well into his twenties. This allowed him to land various small parts, eventually leading to a recurring role on the critically praised 1994 series South Central.
The Role That Defined a Generation: Hakeem Campbell
In 1996, Artimus Lamont Bentley secured the role that would forever cement his place in pop culture: Hakeem Campbell on Moesha. As the loyal, slightly goofy, and always food-focused best friend of Brandy’s title character, he quickly became a fan favorite.
The sitcom ran for six successful seasons and became a defining piece of 90s television. Bentley’s unique blend of humor and sincerity made Hakeem relatable and deeply beloved by millions of young viewers across the country.
His performance was far more than just a typical sitcom sidekick. He brought an authentic warmth and excellent comedic timing to the character, and his natural on-screen chemistry with Brandy and the ensemble cast was essential to the show’s enduring success.
Versatility Beyond the Sitcom
While the role of Hakeem Campbell brought him fame, Lamont Bentley was determined to showcase his full acting range, actively seeking out roles that challenged his comedic persona. His early film work immediately demonstrated this versatility.
In the 1995 horror anthology Tales from the Hood, Bentley delivered a chilling performance as the angry, complex character known as Crazy K. This dramatic turn proved his capability to handle much darker, more intense material.
A Foray into Hip-Hop and Film
Bentley continued to diversify his portfolio in the early 2000s. He appeared in the 2001 film The Wash, starring alongside hip-hop icons Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, where he played the character C-Money.
That same year, he took on the significant task of portraying the legendary rapper Tupac Shakur in the television biopic Too Legit: The MC Hammer Story, a role that required both dramatic depth and physical transformation.
Beyond his acting credits, Bentley was serious about his musical aspirations, pursuing a career as a rapper. He was a member of the group UPRIZE, viewing music as a vital, natural extension of his creative energy and desire to be a multifaceted entertainer.
A Legacy Interrupted: The Tragic Accident
The promising upward trajectory of Artimus Lamont Bentley’s career was tragically and abruptly halted in the early morning hours of January 19, 2005. He was killed in a devastating single-car accident in Ventura County, California.
Bentley was driving alone on Highway 118 near Simi Valley when his vehicle veered off the road. After running through a stop sign, the car rolled down an embankment, ejecting him.
In a heartbreaking sequence of events, he was subsequently struck by up to five vehicles on the freeway. An autopsy later confirmed that he died from multiple blunt force injuries, and notably, found no presence of drugs or alcohol in his system, underscoring the sudden, tragic nature of the loss.
An Enduring Memory
Artimus Lamont Bentley was a bright talent whose light was extinguished far too soon. His death at the age of 31 sent a wave of shock through the entertainment community and his devoted fan base.
He is survived by his mother, Loyce Bentley, and his two young daughters. Beyond his professional achievements, he was consistently remembered by his peers as a warm, humble, and charismatic individual who never forgot his Milwaukee roots.
Bentley’s work, particularly his iconic portrayal of Hakeem Campbell, remains a beloved fixture of 90s pop culture. His legacy is not just measured by the roles he secured, but by the immense potential he demonstrated and the genuine connection he forged with everyone who watched him.
