The Soul Glo Legacy: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Eriq La Salle's Iconic Role In Coming To America

Eriq La Salle's portrayal of the slick, Jheri curl-dripping millionaire Darryl Jenks in the 1988 comedy classic Coming to America remains one of the film's most memorable and culturally significant supporting roles. While La Salle is internationally recognized for his intense dramatic work as Dr. Peter Benton on the long-running medical drama ER, it is the image of the Soul Glo heir that continues to captivate and spark curiosity among fans, especially as of late 2025 with his return to television and new literary projects. This article dives deep into the legacy of Darryl Jenks, the actor's surprising decision regarding the sequel, and his current career as a director, producer, and novelist.

The character of Darryl Jenks, the rival to Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) for the affection of Lisa McDowell (Shari Headley), perfectly embodied the ostentatious materialism of the late 1980s. La Salle's performance, which was one of his earliest major film roles, cemented his place in cinematic history, even though his career trajectory quickly shifted towards serious drama. Thirty-five years later, the iconic "Just Let Your Soul Glo" jingle is still synonymous with his name, a testament to the character's enduring cultural impact.

Eriq La Salle: A Comprehensive Profile and Biography

Eriq La Salle is an American actor, director, writer, and producer known for his versatility across film, television, and literature. His career spans over four decades, transitioning from a breakout comedic role to a celebrated dramatic television star and now a respected creative force behind the camera and on the page.

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• Full Name: Erik Ki La Salle
• Born: July 23, 1962
• Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
• Age (as of 2025): 63
• Education: La Salle is a distinguished alumnus, having studied at The Juilliard School’s Drama Division and later attending New York University’s (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts.
• Breakout Film Role: Darryl Jenks in Coming to America (1988).
• Most Famous TV Role: Dr. Peter Benton on ER (1994–2002, 2009). His portrayal earned him three NAACP Image Awards and multiple Emmy nominations.
• Current Career Focus: Directing, Executive Producing, and Writing. He has directed episodes for major series including CSI: Cyber, Lucifer, and Chicago P.D.
• Literary Works: Author of the acclaimed thriller series The Martyr Maker, which includes the novels Laws of Depravity and Laws of Wrath. He has also penned the novel Hostage.

1. The Truth Behind His Absence in Coming 2 America

One of the biggest questions surrounding the 2021 sequel, Coming 2 America, was the notable absence of Eriq La Salle's character, Darryl Jenks. While nearly all major cast members, including Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, and Shari Headley, reprised their roles, Jenks was conspicuously missing from the Zamundan royal family's return to Queens, New York.

La Salle confirmed in interviews that he was approached about the sequel but ultimately chose not to participate. The primary reason cited was a scheduling conflict and his commitment to other projects, specifically his burgeoning career as a director and producer. At the time, La Salle was deeply involved in his work behind the camera, a creative path he has pursued passionately for years.

The sequel's narrative neatly resolved the Darryl Jenks storyline without him, confirming that Lisa McDowell ultimately chose Prince Akeem, leaving Jenks out of the picture. For La Salle, the decision was a reflection of his desire to focus on new creative endeavors rather than revisiting a role from over three decades prior, demonstrating his commitment to his current multifaceted career as a filmmaker and novelist.

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2. The Cultural Phenomenon of Soul Glo

Darryl Jenks' entire identity is tied to the fictional hair care product, Soul Glo. The product, famous for its perpetually dripping, oily sheen and the unforgettable jingle ("Just let your soul glo!"), is more than just a prop; it’s a brilliant piece of satire and a lasting cultural entity from the film.

The Soul Glo commercial, which features La Salle's character as the smug heir, is a pitch-perfect parody of the advertising tropes and specific hair products popular within the Black community in the late 1980s, particularly those promising a Jheri curl look. The commercial's catchy, repetitive jingle and the visual gag of the dripping curl remain one of the most quoted and referenced moments in the entire film, securing its status as an iconic comedic parody.

La Salle’s performance as the arrogant, entitled Jenks—who is contrasted sharply with Prince Akeem’s humble, genuine search for love—made the character a necessary foil. The Soul Glo empire, which Jenks was set to inherit, represented the materialistic American dream that Akeem was trying to escape, making the contrast between the two suitors a central theme of the romantic comedy.

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3. From Darryl Jenks to Dr. Peter Benton: A Dramatic Pivot

While Coming to America launched Eriq La Salle's career, his role as Dr. Peter Benton on NBC's ER defined his legacy for a generation of television viewers. The contrast between the two characters couldn't be starker.

Benton was a highly disciplined, often abrasive trauma surgeon at County General Hospital, a role that required intense dramatic focus and gravitas. La Salle starred in the series for eight seasons, from 1994 to 2002, and returned for the show's finale in 2009.

This dramatic pivot from the comedic, superficial Darryl Jenks to the complex, commanding Dr. Benton showcased La Salle's immense range and solidified his reputation as a serious, versatile actor. His work on ER earned him critical acclaim, including multiple NAACP Image Awards and Emmy Award nominations, overshadowing his earlier comedic turn for many years.

4. Eriq La Salle's Recent Work: Directing and Thriller Novels (2025 Update)

Eriq La Salle is not resting on his past successes. In late 2025, his career is marked by significant achievements both in front of and behind the camera, as well as a successful foray into the world of writing. This current phase of his career is focused on creative control and storytelling.

The Dick Wolf Police Drama "On Call"

One of his most recent and high-profile projects is the police drama series On Call, a half-hour show from television powerhouse Dick Wolf (creator of the Law & Order and Chicago franchises). La Salle not only stars as Sergeant Lasman but also serves as an executive producer and directed multiple episodes of the series, which premiered on Prime Video. The series, which co-stars Lori Loughlin, follows a training officer and a rookie, examining the complexities of the job and its toll on the human condition.

A Career as a Bestselling Novelist

Beyond Hollywood, La Salle has become a successful author of dark, compelling thriller novels. His literary work includes the Martyr Maker series, which features the books Laws of Depravity and Laws of Wrath. These novels explore intense themes and showcase his talent for crafting intricate, suspenseful narratives, demonstrating a creative depth that contrasts sharply with the comedic character of Darryl Jenks.

5. The Audition That Changed Everything

Eriq La Salle was just 26 years old when he landed the role of Darryl Jenks, and he still vividly recalls the audition process. At the time, he was a young actor fresh out of training at Juilliard and NYU, with only minor roles in soap operas like One Life to Live and Another World to his name.

The role in Coming to America was a pivotal moment, a chance to work with comedy legend Eddie Murphy and director John Landis. La Salle has described the experience as a "breakout" role, a major stepping stone that provided him with the visibility needed to land the career-defining role of Dr. Peter Benton just a few years later. The enduring popularity of Coming to America ensures that the slick, unforgettable Darryl Jenks remains a cherished part of his extensive and impressive filmography.