Rib Hillis
- Actor
- Producer
- Production Designer
Rib Hillis is a versatile American actor, producer, host, writer, and model with a career spanning over three decades in entertainment. Raised in Newton, Massachusetts, Rib developed a passion for storytelling and the outdoors that continues to influence his work today.
While attending the University of Colorado Boulder, Hillis was discovered by a modeling agent during his junior year. This launched an international modeling career across Milan, Paris, Barcelona, London, Sydney, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. He appeared in campaigns for Versace, Armani, and Hugo Boss, and featured in publications like Uomo Vogue, GQ, Esquire, and Men’s Health. He even had a memorable cameo as a lingerie model on America’s Next Top Model.
In 1996, Hillis transitioned to acting and moved to Los Angeles. He quickly booked roles on Baywatch Nights and landed his breakout part as Dr. Jake Marshak on the General Hospital spin-off Port Charles. His television credits include appearances on Baywatch, CSI, CSI: Miami, Ugly Betty, Two and a Half Men, Modern Family, The Rookie, and many more. He has starred in numerous films and TV movies, often in action, horror-comedy, and thriller genres such as 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, focusing on film, live events, and talent development. He co-wrote, produced, and starred in the action-adventure film Kill Shot during the Covid 19 shutdowns, incorporating stunts like hunting, ice climbing, and white-water rafting. He has also hosted and designed on shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Model Citizen, and Get a Grip. A standout recent role is portraying the legendary mountain man Jim Bridger in the INSP series The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger, which blends history, adventure, and humor. In recent years, he has embraced vertical cinema, starring in hit vertical dramas such as The Road Between Us (as Sebastian), The Arrangement, When The Night Falls, and My Father, My Hero, earning recognition including a nomination at the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards.
On a personal note, family remains central to Hillis’s life. He is a devoted father to five children and has three grandchildren. In May 2023, he married actress Jessica Morris. The couple frequently collaborates on creative projects and shares a life rooted in adventure and mutual support. Hillis, whose nickname "Rib" comes from playing with frogs as a kid and getting the nickname "Ribbit", values resilience, creativity, and staying grounded in the entertainment industry.
Based in the Los Angeles area, Rib Hillis continues to expand his horizons through acting, producing, and writing. Known for his professionalism, versatility, and positive energy, he remains passionate about storytelling that entertains and inspires. Whether in front of or behind the camera, he embodies the spirit of a lifelong creator and adventurer.
While attending the University of Colorado Boulder, Hillis was discovered by a modeling agent during his junior year. This launched an international modeling career across Milan, Paris, Barcelona, London, Sydney, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. He appeared in campaigns for Versace, Armani, and Hugo Boss, and featured in publications like Uomo Vogue, GQ, Esquire, and Men’s Health. He even had a memorable cameo as a lingerie model on America’s Next Top Model.
In 1996, Hillis transitioned to acting and moved to Los Angeles. He quickly booked roles on Baywatch Nights and landed his breakout part as Dr. Jake Marshak on the General Hospital spin-off Port Charles. His television credits include appearances on Baywatch, CSI, CSI: Miami, Ugly Betty, Two and a Half Men, Modern Family, The Rookie, and many more. He has starred in numerous films and TV movies, often in action, horror-comedy, and thriller genres such as 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, focusing on film, live events, and talent development. He co-wrote, produced, and starred in the action-adventure film Kill Shot during the Covid 19 shutdowns, incorporating stunts like hunting, ice climbing, and white-water rafting. He has also hosted and designed on shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Model Citizen, and Get a Grip. A standout recent role is portraying the legendary mountain man Jim Bridger in the INSP series The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger, which blends history, adventure, and humor. In recent years, he has embraced vertical cinema, starring in hit vertical dramas such as The Road Between Us (as Sebastian), The Arrangement, When The Night Falls, and My Father, My Hero, earning recognition including a nomination at the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards.
On a personal note, family remains central to Hillis’s life. He is a devoted father to five children and has three grandchildren. In May 2023, he married actress Jessica Morris. The couple frequently collaborates on creative projects and shares a life rooted in adventure and mutual support. Hillis, whose nickname "Rib" comes from playing with frogs as a kid and getting the nickname "Ribbit", values resilience, creativity, and staying grounded in the entertainment industry.
Based in the Los Angeles area, Rib Hillis continues to expand his horizons through acting, producing, and writing. Known for his professionalism, versatility, and positive energy, he remains passionate about storytelling that entertains and inspires. Whether in front of or behind the camera, he embodies the spirit of a lifelong creator and adventurer.
