Hill Harper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hill Harper
Harper c. 2013–2016
Born	Frank Eugene Harper (1966-05-17) May 17, 1966 (age 59) Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.
Other names	Frank Harper F. Hill Harper
Education	Brown University (BA) Harvard University (MPA, JD)
Occupation	Actor politician author
Years active	1993–present
Political party	Democratic
Children	1

Hill Harper, born Frank Eugene Harper on May 17, 1966, is an American actor. He is famous for his roles in TV shows like CSI: NY, Limitless, and The Good Doctor. Harper has also been involved in politics. In 2024, he ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Michigan. He was a candidate in the Democratic Party's primary election.

Early Life and School Days

Hill Harper was born in Iowa City, Iowa. His parents were both doctors. His father, Harry D. Harper, was a psychiatrist. His mother, Marilyn Harper, was one of the first Black anesthesiologists in the U.S. She also wrote a book called Wearing Purple. Frank Eugene Harper chose the name "Hill" to honor his family's history.

Harper went to Brown University in Rhode Island. He graduated in 1988 with high honors. He earned a degree in economics and sociology. In 1992, he graduated from Harvard Law School with a law degree. He also received another degree from the Harvard Kennedy School. While at Harvard, he was part of Boston's Black Folks Theater Company. This is one of the oldest Black theater groups in the United States.

During his time at Harvard, Harper became friends with Barack Obama. They often played basketball together. In 2012, Harper was chosen to be on The President's Cancer Panel. This group advises the White House on cancer policy. After college, Harper moved to Los Angeles to become an actor. He has received eight honorary degrees from different universities.

Acting Career Highlights

Harper speaking at the Missouri Theatre in 2014

Harper's acting career grew with roles in many films. These included Beloved (1998) and the romantic comedy Loving Jezebel (1999). He also appeared in The Skulls (2000). One of his most praised roles was in The Visit (2000). In this movie, he played a prisoner who was dying and trying to fix his life. He also played Leshem in the 2010 movie Stonehenge Apocalypse.

In 2013, the TV show CSI: NY ended. Harper then joined the cast of Covert Affairs as a regular actor. From 2015 to 2018, Harper also performed in several plays. These included ToasT and Our Lady of 121st Street. ToasT was set in a prison and told stories using poetry. Our Lady of 121st Street was a dark comedy about former students looking for their missing teacher.

Hill Harper has also done voice acting for video games like CSI: NY – The Video Game. He has also voiced parts for Breathe Bible and podcasts like Legal Wars.

Writing and Community Work

Harper at a book signing in St. Louis in 2007

Harper has written several books. His first book, Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny, came out in 2006. He also wrote Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny (2008). Another book, The Conversation, was published in 2010. It talks about how Black men and women can build strong relationships. His books The Wealth Cure and The Wiley Boys were both released in 2011. In 2013, he published Letters to an Incarcerated Brother. Both Barack Obama and Michelle Obama helped with some of his books.

In 2008, Harper was part of the "Yes We Can" music video. This video supported Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Harper also helped raise money for Obama's campaign. He supported a campaign to give 10,000 backpacks to children in need. In 2016, he became a national spokesperson for the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

Harper also started the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation. This foundation helps young people who need support. It offers mentorship, scholarships, and grants.

2024 U.S. Senate Campaign

On July 10, 2023, Harper announced he would run for a U.S. Senate seat in Michigan. He ran as a Democrat to replace Senator Debbie Stabenow, who was retiring. Harper described himself as a "progressive candidate." He supported ideas like universal healthcare and ending the filibuster. If he had been elected, he would have been the only U.S. senator who was also a union member. This is because he belongs to SAG-AFTRA.

In November 2023, Harper said he turned down a large amount of money. This money would have been given to him if he dropped out of the Senate race. He also called for a "humanitarian ceasefire" in the Gaza conflict. On August 6, 2024, Harper was defeated in the Democratic Primary election.

Other Projects

Be the Architect

After being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, Harper learned about how skin care products can affect health. This led him to create his own natural personal care line. It is called Be the Architect and is for both men and women.

The Black Wall Street

On May 31, 2021, Hill Harper launched "The Black Wall Street." This is a digital platform that helps people learn about money. It aims to help close the wealth gap between different groups.

Annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day

In 2016, Harper was a main speaker at the Annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day.

Awards and Special Recognition

In 2008, Harper became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. In 2011, he received the Freedom Award. This award honors people who have made big contributions to civil rights. The National Civil Rights Museum gave him this award for his Manifest Your Destiny Foundation.

In 2018, Harper was nominated for a Vivian Robinson Award. This was for his role in the play Our Lady of 121st Street. On December 5, 2021, the Museum of African American History in Boston honored Hill Harper. They gave him a Living Legends award. .....

Personal Life

While writing his book The Wealth Cure, Harper found out he had thyroid cancer. After getting treatment, he was given a clean bill of health. In November 2015, Harper decided to adopt a baby boy. The adoption was completed in May 2017. In 2018, Harper bought a historic home in Detroit, Michigan, and moved there.

Film Roles

Television Roles

Theatre Performances

Published Books

• Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny (2006)
• Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny (2008)
• The Conversation: How (Black) Men and Women Can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships (2010)
• The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place (2011)
• The Wiley Boys (2011)
• Letters to an Incarcerated Brother: Encouragement, Hope, and Healing for Inmates and Their Loved Ones (2013)

See also

In Spanish: Hill Harper para niños