Wolé Parks

Wolé Parks (born July 27, 1982) is an American actor, best known for his roles as Dallas Griffin in the CBS daytime soap opera As the World Turns, and as Sam Alexander in the Lifetime comedy-drama series Devious Maids. He appeared in the 8th season of The Vampire Diaries, playing the role of 'Cade' and portrays John Henry Irons in Superman & Lois.

Early life and education Parks was born in New York City, to a Belizean mother named Lilith Parks and a Tanzanian father whom he did not meet until he was an adult. He is a graduate of New York University with a B.F.A. in Fine Arts and a B.A. in Mathematics.

Career He first joined the cast of the CBS soap opera As the World Turns on November 14, 2007, taking over the role of Dallas Griffin.

Parks guest-starred in Law & Order, its spin-off Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Gossip Girl, as well as starring in the sixth season of MTV's anthology series Undressed. In film, Parks was seen alongside Kevin Bacon in the HBO telefilm Taking Chance and with Joseph Gordon-Levitt in the 2012 film Premium Rush. In 2013, he has series regular role in the Lifetime comedy-drama Devious Maids. In the final season of The Vampire Diaries, Parks had a recurring role as Arcadius.

In May 2020, Parks was cast as "The Stranger" in the CW superhero drama television series Superman & Lois, later revealed to be John Henry Irons from an unidentified Earth where his Superman became evil.

Personal life Parks is an active volunteer with School on Wheels and has been tutoring students in mathematics since 2013. He is also heavily involved with AIDS/LifeCycle, a seven-day cycling tour through California to raise money in support of the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Driving accident In 2006, at the age of 23, Parks accidentally killed a 25-year old graduate student while driving with a suspended license. On the evening of January 22, Parks was charged with leaving the scene of an accident. The Assistant District Attorney concluded that Parks "had the green light, was not speeding, committed no traffic infractions and did not appear intoxicated." Four hours later, Parks showed up at the 94th Precinct in Brooklyn to turn himself in. Following a lengthy investigation, Parks later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of leaving the scene of an accident after causing physical injury, and received one year of probation, 250 hours of community service, and counseling.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 2002 Undressed Brett Season 6 2003 Polaroid Michael Short film 2007 Law & Order Thomas Ryland Episode: "Bling" 2007–2008 As the World Turns Dallas Griffin Series regular 2009 Taking Chance Major Schott TV movie Law & Order: Criminal Intent A.D.A. Damon WhitneyEpisode: "Identity Crisis" Gossip Girl Staffer Episode: "They Shoot Humphreys, Don't They?" Law & Order Sergeant Elias Episode: "Shotgun" 2010 The Town Boston police Sergeant Ryan 2012 Next Caller Keith Calhoun Series regular, 4 episodes, unaired series Premium Rush Manny 2013 Devious Maids Sam Alexander Series regular, 9 episodes NCIS Navy Captain Michael Laramie Episode: "Under the Radar" 2014 Half the Perfect World Ralph 2016–2017 The Vampire Diaries Arcadius "Cade" Recurring role 2017 Superstore Scott (Construction worker) Season 3: episode 3 - Part-Time Hirers 2018 9-1-1 Michael Grant's Boyfriend Episode: "Next of Kin"2019 All American Micah Richards Recurring role (season 1-2) Yellowstone Torry Recurring role (season 2) 2020 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Markeevious Ryan Episode: She Paints For Vengeance 2021–2024 Superman & Lois John Henry Irons Series regular (season 1-4) 2024 The Lincoln Lawyer David Henry Lyons Recurring role (season 3) 2026LandmanDetective Miller