Dulé Hill is a multi-talented American actor, tap dancer, and Broadway veteran who rose to fame through his work in acclaimed television series such as The West Wing and Psych.
With a career that bridges stage and screen, comedy and drama, Hill has built a reputation as one of the most versatile and consistently compelling performers of his generation. His estimated net worth is $8 million.
Early Life and Education
Karim Dulé Hill was born on May 3, 1975, in Orange, New Jersey, to Jamaican immigrant parents who valued the arts and education. Raised in Sayreville, New Jersey, he began studying ballet at an early age and took up tap dancing at the age of three.
His remarkable rhythm and precision caught national attention in 1985 when he performed a tap routine with a live orchestra on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.
Hill’s early passion for the stage led to his breakthrough opportunity at the age of 10, when producers of The Tap Dance Kid sought young talent for the Broadway production.
Hill landed the role of understudy to Savion Glover—who would later become a legendary tap dancer in his own right.
This opened doors for Hill in other stage productions and national commercials, including his first film appearance in the 1993 crime drama Sugar Hill, filmed during his senior year of high school.
He graduated from Sayreville War Memorial High School and enrolled at Seton Hall University to study business finance.
Simultaneously, he honed his acting craft at the renowned William Esper Studio in Manhattan.
Breakthrough Career in Television and Film
Hill’s first notable television role came through CityKids, a Saturday morning series produced by Jim Henson, which aired while he was still in college.
But his true breakout came in 1999 when he was cast as Charlie Young, the personal aide to President Josiah Bartlet (played by Martin Sheen) in the Emmy-winning political drama The West Wing.
As Charlie Young, Hill delivered a nuanced and empathetic performance that earned critical acclaim.
His chemistry with Martin Sheen was particularly noted, and he later described Sheen as a key mentor in his acting journey.
Hill remained with the show for six seasons and returned for its final few episodes in 2006.
Later that same year, Hill landed another career-defining role—this time in comedy—as Burton “Gus” Guster in Psych, opposite James Roday Rodriguez.
The USA Network series ran from 2006 to 2014 and earned a cult following for its blend of humor, mystery, and buddy-cop charm.
Hill also served as a producer on Psych from 2009 onwards and reprised the role in several made-for-TV movies: Psych: The Movie, Psych 2: Lassie Come Home, and Psych 3: This Is Gus.
Other Notable Projects
In addition to his iconic TV roles, Hill has appeared in a range of films and television projects. He acted in:
- Movies: She’s All That (1999), Holes (2003), Sleight (2016), Gravy (2015), Locked Down (2021), and Hypnotic (2021).
- TV series: Ballers (2015–2019), The Guardian, Suits (2017–2019), and the Muppet Babies reboot (as voice actor Mr. Manny).
- Broadway: Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, and Stick Fly.
From 2021 to 2023, Hill starred as Bill Williams in ABC’s reboot of The Wonder Years, playing a supportive and grounded father figure in a coming-of-age comedy-drama centered around a Black family in the 1960s.
Personal Life
Dulé Hill married actress Nicole Lyn in 2004, but the couple divorced in 2012.
He found love again with actress Jazmyn Simon, whom he married in Antigua in 2018. Simon, known for her work on Ballers, later appeared in the Psych movies as Gus’s romantic partner.
The couple have one son, Levi, born in 2019. Hill also adopted Simon’s daughter, Kennedy, from a previous relationship.
Off-screen, Hill is known for his philanthropic work and love for poker. He is an active supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and often uses his platform to advocate for wellness, the arts, and education.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
In 2018, Hill and Simon purchased a home in Sherman Oaks, California, for $1.75 million. In July 2024, they listed the home for sale at $3.4 million, reflecting the property’s appreciated value and their continued financial success.
Legacy and Influence
Dulé Hill is more than a familiar face on television—he’s a trailblazer who continues to break barriers for Black actors in Hollywood.
Whether portraying loyal aides, quirky detectives, or grounded fathers, Hill brings depth and charisma to every role.
He’s also respected in the entertainment community for his professionalism, stage presence, and commitment to uplifting fellow artists.
From the Broadway stage to primetime TV, Hill’s work has inspired generations of performers—and his journey, fueled by talent, discipline, and humility, is far from over.
