Erik Ki La Salle, professionally known as Eriq La Salle, is an American actor, director, writer and producer. Best known for his performance in the film Coming to America (1988) and especially as Dr. Peter Benton in the NBC medical drama ER (1994–2002; 2008–2009) which earned him three NAACP Image Awards and nominations for a Golden Globe Award and three Primetime Emmy Awards.