The Rise of Torres and Eva: A Deep Dive into Benjamin Levy Aguilar and Arienne Mandi’s Journey
Before they hit our screens as Torres and Eva in NBC’s Chicago P.D., Benjamin Levy Aguilar and Arienne Mandi were simply Ben and Ari, two aspiring actors navigating the bustling scene of Los Angeles. Their journey from stars on the rise to beloved characters on the show is a tale of friendship, talent, and serendipity.
A Fortuitous Meeting
The bond between Aguilar and Mandi began serendipitously in early 2020 during a Jiu-Jitsu class led by Charles Cobrinha in Los Angeles. Mandi recounts their first encounter with an infectious enthusiasm, noting that Aguilar was perpetually late to class. As fate would have it, they soon became training partners, discovering their shared passion for acting and fitness. “We joined basically every gym in Los Angeles,” Mandi said, reflecting on how a mutual love for workouts solidified their friendship.
In a delightful Instagram video shared on NBC’s One Chicago account, Aguilar added, “The first time we did a scene together, we couldn’t lock eyes because it was chaos.” Both laughed at their playful energy, illustrating just how tight-knit their friendship had grown.
Arienne Mandi Joins Chicago P.D.
Mandi’s journey into Chicago P.D. began in July 2025, when she was announced as a series regular playing the character of Eva Imani. Aguilar joyfully welcomed her to the cast with an endearing selfie on social media, highlighting their strong camaraderie. This was a moment fans had eagerly awaited, fueled by their on-screen chemistry.
Interestingly, fans noticed their striking resemblance, with Aguilar even joking, “We look like siblings.” Mandi described their relationship as one defined by a shared sense of humor and an unwavering support system. “We started helping each other with self-tapes; we were just very kindred spirits,” she explained.
A Supportive Friendship Across Seasons
As Aguilar’s journey advanced, he debuted as Torres in Season 9 of Chicago P.D. Mandi was right there to celebrate his milestone. “I remember when he booked the show,” she shared. His excitement was palpable, demonstrating how their friendship transcends the boundaries of personal and professional lives.
Fast forward to Mandi’s debut as Officer Imani in Season 13, where her character’s backstory has already intrigued fans. Imani, previously working with the ATF, is depicted as a strong and straightforward individual with a unique blend of personal challenges and skills, including speaking Farsi.
In an interview, Mandi expressed how Imani’s military background shaped her character. “She’s used to working alone and isn’t the type to be in a team environment usually,” highlighting the complexity of Imani as a character.
Building Bridges in Chicago
Transitioning to a new role in a large ensemble can be daunting, especially in a long-running show. Mandi shared her relief at having Aguilar already established in the cast. “It made the welcome to Chicago just that much warmer,” she said. Knowing someone personally softened the transition, making her debut not just a career milestone but also a joyful reunion with a cherished friend.
As both actors continue to portray their characters, fans are treated to a deeper exploration of their arcs, enriched by the genuine bond they share both on and off-screen.
With their growing popularity on Chicago P.D., Aguilar and Mandi continue to charm audiences, showcasing not just their talent but the power of friendship in the competitive landscape of Hollywood.