Troy Winbush doesn’t just play a character—he lives in his skin. And in Suits: LA, his character Kevin is one of the most grounded, authentic voices in the room.

In our recent conversation, Winbush opened up about the energy behind Suits: LA, his unique role, and what makes this spinoff more than just a nod to the original series.

Why Suits: LA Hits Different

For Winbush, joining Suits: LA was a no-brainer. “The writing, the people behind it, the popularity of the original OG show—just everything across the board is good,” he said. “We’re just trying to make a good product, and hopefully people join in and celebrate with us. I’m just having a ball.”

SUITS LA — “He Knew” Episode 103 — Pictured: (l-r) Stephen Amell as Ted Black, Troy Winbush as Kevin — (Photo by: Justin Lubin/NBC)

Part of that celebration comes from the writing team, who keep Winbush on his toes. “Every week we do the table read, and something pops off the page and surprises me. I love how they’re writing Kevin. I think they know where they want him to go—and I’m along for the ride.”

Kevin: The No-Nonsense Operator

Kevin isn’t your classic legal eagle. He’s a former Justice Department guy who operates more like a streetwise fixer than a traditional suit-and-tie attorney. “He shoots from the hip. He’s not gonna sugarcoat anything,” Winbush said. “He’ll sit back until his opinion is needed—and then he’ll drop the truth.”

SUITS LA — “He Knew” Episode 103 — Pictured: (l-r) Josh McDermitt as Stuart Lane, Kristen Hager as Valerie, Troy Winbush as Kevin, Stephen Amell as Ted Black, Kevin Weisman as Lester Thompson — (Photo by: Jordin Althaus/NBC)

That authenticity sets Kevin apart. He’s pragmatic, a little rough around the edges, and not concerned with smoothing them over. But he’s not heartless—far from it.

“I think Kevin is flirtatious. He’s still dealing with loss. His wife passed away, and he’s carrying that with him,” Winbush shared. “Hopefully, down the line, the writers explore that more. Kevin deserves someone to come home to. A hot meal. Someone to snuggle up with.”

Deep Roots and a Complex Friendship

One of Kevin’s core relationships is with Ted, played by Stephen Amell. Their bond is layered with history and mutual respect. “There was a time we didn’t speak,” Winbush said. “But we came back together. We know each other so well now, we’re finishing each other’s sentences.”

SUITS LA — “You’re on Your Own” Episode 105 — Pictured: (l-r) Stephen Amell as Ted Black, Troy Winbush as Kevin — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

That chemistry is intentional—and encouraged by the show’s creators. “The producers and directors give us space to explore who these people are. That makes all the difference.”

No Suit, No Problem

While the series is called Suits, Kevin is one of the only characters who doesn’t wear one. It’s more than a fashion choice—it’s a statement.

“Kevin’s freed up in that,” Winbush said. “He’s got a little swag. He’ll get what he needs, get it to the right people, and move on. No time for the politics.”

SUITS LA — “Old Man Hanrahan” Episode 102 — Pictured: (l-r) Stephen Amell as Ted Black, Troy Winbush as Kevin Dillion — (Photo by: Justin Lubin/NBC)

A New Chapter, Not a Copy

Of course, comparisons to the original Suits are inevitable. Winbush gets it—but he wants people to give Suits: LA a chance to find its own groove.

“You’re not gonna escape comparisons,” he said. “Some fans don’t want to give it that rope to explore. But if they stick with us, they’ll see what makes this show different. It’s LA—palm trees, glam, new cases, new people. It’s not New York grit—it’s something else.”

SUITS LA — “Dester” Episode 106 — Pictured: (l-r) Bryan Greenberg as Rick Dodson, Lex Scott Davis as Erica Rollins, Troy Winbush as Kevin — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

And Kevin? He’s New York-bred, trying to find his place in that new world. “He’s still edgy. Might rub people the wrong way. But Kevin doesn’t care. He just wants answers—and his donuts.”

Full Speed Ahead

As the season hits its final stretch, Winbush is excited for what’s coming. “Season one is like starting your car on a cold morning. You let it warm up, let the oil run through. Now we’re putting it in drive for the last few episodes—and it’s go time.”