Born in Orange County, California, Bell is the son of Broadway actor Michel Bell. Before he began acting, Bell attended San Jose State University, where he graduated with honors. He began his career with a few minor roles in various shows including The Parent 'Hood, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, ER and Smart Guy, before landing a thirteen episode stint as Patrick Owen in L.A. Doctors.

In 1999, Bell landed the role of Officer Ty Davis, Jr. on the NBC drama Third Watch. He was one of only five original cast members to remain on the show throughout its entire six-season run on NBC. During the series' run, he co-starred in Safe, a critically acclaimed play co-written by Third Watch co-star Anthony Ruivivar. The play also starred Third Watch regular Jason Wiles and Third Watch recurring guest star Yvonne Jung. Bell also appeared in a Third Watch edition of the American version of The Weakest Link.

In 2005, just months after Third Watch ended its run, Bell landed a recurring role on the UPN comedy series Half & Half as Glen Stallworth, a San Francisco firefighter who is originally set up on a date with main character Mona, but winds up falling for her mother, Phyllis (played by actress Telma Hopkins). Despite appearing in only three episodes, Bell's character was mentioned and referenced throughout the show's fourth and final season.

In 2006, Bell starred in and co-produced an independent film called Drifting Elegant. The project marked his debut as a producer. That same year, Bell guest-starred in an episode of the UPN comedy series Girlfriends in an episode entitled "The Game", which served as the pilot episode for the comedy-drama of the same name. Bell stars as Jason Pitts, the captain of the fictional San Diego Sabers football team. The CW series also stars Tia Mowry and Wendy Raquel Robinson.

In 2010, Bell joined the cast of the USA series Burn Notice as Jesse Porter, a counterintelligence agent.

Bell is married to Aviss Pinkney-Bell and has four children; two sets of twins: girls (Serrae and Jaena) and a girl and a boy (Quinn and Eli).

In addition to acting, Bell is also a musician and songwriter in a reggae band. He also serves as a mentor to underprivileged youths in the Big Brothers of America.