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Rib Hillis is a multifaceted American actor, producer, host, writer, and model with a career spanning more than thirty years in the entertainment industry. Raised in Newton, Massachusetts, Rib’s love for storytelling and the outdoors has long shaped his creative work.
While studying at the University of Colorado Boulder, Hillis was discovered by a modeling agent during his junior year, launching an international modeling career that took him to Milan, Paris, Barcelona, London, Sydney, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. He worked on campaigns for Versace, Armani, and Hugo Boss and appeared in magazines such as Uomo Vogue, GQ, Esquire, and Men’s Health. He also made a notable cameo as a lingerie model on America’s Next Top Model.
In 1996, Hillis shifted his focus to acting and relocated to Los Angeles. He quickly secured roles on Baywatch Nights and gained recognition as Dr. Jake Marshak on the General Hospital spin-off Port Charles. His television appearances include Baywatch, CSI, CSI: Miami, Ugly Betty, Two and a Half Men, Modern Family, The Rookie, among others. He has featured in numerous films and TV movies, often within action, horror-comedy, and thriller genres, including Piranhaconda, Sharktopus vs. Pteracuda, Cowboys vs. Dinosaurs, Kill Shot, Powder Pup, Mama Bear, and Couples Retreat Murder.
As a producer, Hillis founded Speed Merchant Productions, specializing in film, live events, and talent development. During the Covid-19 shutdowns, he co-wrote, produced, and starred in the action-adventure film Kill Shot, which included stunts like hunting, ice climbing, and white-water rafting. He has also hosted and designed for shows such as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Model Citizen, and Get a Grip. A notable recent role is his portrayal of the legendary mountain man Jim Bridger in the INSP series The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger, blending history, adventure, and humor. In recent years, Hillis has embraced vertical cinema, starring in acclaimed vertical dramas such as The Road Between Us (as Sebastian), The Arrangement, When The Night Falls, and My Father, My Hero, earning nominations including one at the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards.
On a personal level, family is a cornerstone of Hillis’s life. He is a dedicated father of five and a grandfather to three. In May 2023, he married actress Jessica Morris. The couple often collaborate on creative projects and share a life centered around adventure and mutual support. His nickname "Rib" originated from childhood play with frogs, earning him the nickname "Ribbit." Hillis values resilience, creativity, and staying grounded in the entertainment world.
Based in the Los Angeles area, Rib Hillis continues to broaden his career through acting, producing, and writing. Known for his professionalism, adaptability, and positive spirit, he remains passionate about creating stories that entertain and inspire. Whether in front of or behind the camera, he exemplifies the essence of a lifelong creator and adventurer.
