5 Fascinating Facts About Benjamin Levy Aguilar's Parents: The Miss Guatemala & Brooklyn Business Mogul Fusion

The family background of actor Benjamin Levy Aguilar is one of the most compelling and unique stories in Hollywood, a true cross-cultural fusion that perfectly encapsulates his vibrant persona. As of December 2025, the latest information confirms that the star, best known for his role as Detective Dante Torres on the hit NBC series Chicago P.D., was raised by two incredibly dynamic figures: a former beauty queen and a visionary Brooklyn-born businessman. This blend of Central American charm and New York City grit, layered with a deep Sephardic Jewish heritage, is the foundation of the actor's intense and multifaceted on-screen presence.

The curiosity surrounding Benjamin Levy Aguilar’s parents—Mariluz Aguilar Rivas and Jeff Levy—stems from their individual successes and the rich cultural tapestry they wove for their son in Guatemala. Their story is not just about celebrity lineage; it is a tale of international romance, cultural conversion, and the powerful influence of a diverse upbringing that ultimately propelled their son from the soccer fields of AC Milan to the intense drama of the One Chicago franchise.

Benjamin Levy Aguilar: The Blended Biography

Benjamin Levy Aguilar's life story is a fascinating blend of international culture, athletic ambition, and artistic passion, all rooted in the unique background provided by his parents. His journey from a promising soccer talent to a rising Hollywood star is a testament to resilience and the power of a diverse heritage.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• Full Name: Benjamin Levy Aguilar
• Mother: Mariluz Aguilar Rivas (Former Miss Guatemala 1988)
• Father: Jeff Levy (Brooklyn-born businessman)
• Siblings: One brother, Joshua Levy Aguilar
• Date of Birth: January 1, 1993
• Place of Birth: Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America
• Nationality: Guatemalan-American
• Ethnicity/Heritage: Spanish descent, Sephardic Jewish heritage (via his father and mother's conversion)
• Known For: Detective Dante Torres in Chicago P.D., Antonio Rivera in Filthy Rich, Javier in The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window.
• Martial Arts Training: Black belt in Krav Maga, which he often incorporates into his acting roles, particularly as Dante Torres.
• Early Career: Played for the youth academy of the Italian professional football club, AC Milan, before an injury ended his soccer career.
• Current Partner: Dating actress Olivia Macklin.

The Unlikely Fusion: Miss Guatemala Meets Brooklyn Businessman

The meeting of Benjamin Levy Aguilar’s parents, Mariluz Aguilar Rivas and Jeff Levy, reads like the script of a dramatic international romance. Their distinct backgrounds created a household that was a vibrant intersection of cultures, languages, and traditions.

Mariluz Aguilar Rivas: The Beauty Queen and Cultural Anchor

Benjamin’s mother, Mariluz Aguilar Rivas, is a celebrated figure in her own right. She achieved national fame in 1988 when she was crowned Miss Guatemala. Her success extended internationally when she competed in the Miss World pageant, where she was notably awarded the title of Miss Photogenic of The World 1988. This background in modeling and public life meant Benjamin was raised with a strong understanding of presentation, grace, and the spotlight, which undoubtedly influenced his comfort in front of the camera.

Mariluz Aguilar Rivas is also known for her deep commitment to her family's faith. Though she was not born Jewish, she converted to Judaism, fully embracing the Sephardic Jewish heritage of her husband's family. This act of conversion is a powerful aspect of Benjamin’s upbringing, creating a household that blended Guatemalan culture and Spanish descent with the traditions of Judaism.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

Jeff Levy: The Visionary from Brooklyn

Benjamin’s father, Jeff Levy, hails from the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York. He is described as a visionary businessman, a title that suggests a background in entrepreneurship and a strong, pragmatic approach to life. This Brooklyn-born sensibility—often associated with drive, directness, and ambition—provided a contrasting, yet complementary, influence to the more expressive Central American culture of his mother.

Jeff Levy’s family roots are tied to the Sephardic Jewish community. The Sephardic Jewish heritage, which traces back to the Iberian Peninsula, is a significant part of Benjamin’s identity. The fusion of Jeff's New York business acumen and his Jewish heritage with Mariluz's Guatemalan background created a truly unique environment for their two sons, Benjamin and Joshua Levy Aguilar, to grow up in.

From Guatemalan Soccer Fields to the Chicago P.D. Set

The cultural blend instilled by his parents directly shaped Benjamin Levy Aguilar’s early ambitions and his eventual pivot to acting. His childhood in Guatemala was deeply immersed in the world of sports, a passion he pursued with professional intensity.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The AC Milan Dream That Ended in Injury

Before Hollywood, Benjamin’s life was dedicated to professional football (soccer). He excelled as a youth athlete in Guatemala and was eventually recruited to play for the junior academy of the prestigious Italian club, AC Milan. This was a pivotal period where he lived abroad, trained rigorously, and was on a clear path to a professional sports career. This intense discipline and focus, no doubt encouraged by his driven parents, laid the groundwork for his later success in acting.

However, fate intervened with a severe femur fracture, which abruptly ended his dream of a professional soccer career. This devastating setback at a young age forced a fundamental re-evaluation of his path. It was this moment of channeling pain into purpose that propelled him toward the unexplored avenues of the arts.

The Transition to Hollywood and Krav Maga

At the age of 18, Benjamin Levy Aguilar moved to the United States and relocated to Los Angeles, California, to pursue acting. His parents' diverse backgrounds proved invaluable. His mother’s experience in the public eye and his father’s business sense likely provided a framework for navigating the competitive entertainment industry. He brought with him not only his unique cultural perspective but also a formidable physical discipline.

To prepare for the demands of action roles, Aguilar trained extensively and earned a black belt in Krav Maga, the Israeli self-defense system. This skill set became a signature element of his work, most notably in his portrayal of Detective Dante Torres on Chicago P.D., where his athleticism and intensity are constantly on display. His character, Torres, is a perfect vehicle for the actor to channel his own complex background—a man of deep roots, physical prowess, and intense emotional depth.

Legacy and Cultural Identity: More Than Just an Actor

Benjamin Levy Aguilar often speaks about how his heritage informs his work, making him more than just an actor, but a cultural ambassador on screen. His Spanish descent and Guatemalan upbringing give him a unique perspective in the industry, particularly within the Latino Review Media (LRM Online) community.

The story of his parents—the former Miss Guatemala and the Brooklyn businessman—has instilled in him a profound appreciation for diversity. He has spoken about how his background has influenced his career, allowing him to bring a depth and authenticity to his roles. Whether it is the intensity required for a role like Dante Torres or the drama of a series like Filthy Rich, Aguilar channels the resilience and multifaceted nature of his upbringing.

The legacy of Mariluz Aguilar Rivas and Jeff Levy is clearly visible in their son’s success. They provided a foundation built on two continents, two distinct cultures, and a shared faith, creating a dynamic individual whose compelling story is just beginning to unfold on the global stage. Benjamin Levy Aguilar's ability to connect with diverse audiences is a direct result of the rich, blended identity fostered by his extraordinary parents.