You probably know him as the guy who kept Sherlock Holmes in check for seven seasons. Or maybe you caught him as the young, idealistic rookie in the gritty streets of Detroit. Honestly, Jon Michael Hill is one of those actors who feels like a permanent fixture on our screens, yet he’s constantly reinventing himself.
He doesn't just "show up." Whether he's playing a detective, a pastor, or a man trapped in a surreal nightmare on stage, there is a specific, quiet intensity he brings to the table. It’s a Midwestern work ethic mixed with world-class training, and it’s why he’s stayed relevant for nearly two decades.
The Elementary Era and the Marcus Bell Legacy
Let’s be real: most people searching for jon michael hill movies and tv shows are here because of Elementary.
Playing Detective Marcus Bell wasn’t just a "supporting role." Across 153 episodes, Hill turned Bell into the emotional anchor of the NYPD. While Jonny Lee Miller’s Sherlock was spinning out into eccentric genius territory, Hill provided the grounded, often skeptical reality check the show needed. He even stepped behind the camera to direct the 2018 episode "The Worms Crawl In, the Worms Crawl Out," proving he had a vision for the story that went beyond just hitting his marks.
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But if you think that’s all he’s done, you're missing the best parts of his resume.
From Eastbound & Down to A Man in Full
Hill has this weird, amazing ability to jump between high-stakes drama and absolute absurdity. Remember Eastbound & Down? He played Darnell in the third season. If you can hold your own against Danny McBride’s Kenny Powers, you’ve got serious comedic chops.
Fast forward to 2024, and he’s in the Netflix powerhouse A Man in Full. Playing Conrad Hensley, he stood his ground in a cast led by Jeff Daniels. It’s a massive tonal shift from his procedural days. He’s also been a staple in the Law & Order: SVU and Person of Interest universes, basically becoming the go-to guy for "actor who makes every scene better."
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The Steppenwolf Connection and Broadway Hits
You can't talk about his career without talking about Chicago. Hill is a lifer at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He joined the ensemble back in 2007, and it’s clearly where he "recharges" his creative batteries.
- Superior Donuts: This was his big breakout. Playing Franco Wicks opposite Michael McKean, he earned a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in 2010.
- Pass Over: This play is legendary. Hill played Moses in the original production, the film version directed by Spike Lee, and the eventual Broadway run. It’s a visceral, difficult role that most TV actors wouldn't dare touch.
- Purpose: In 2025, he returned to Broadway in Purpose, a family drama by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins directed by Phylicia Rashad. He picked up another Tony nomination for this one—this time for Best Leading Actor.
What's New in 2026?
He isn't slowing down. Currently, he's deep into the 50th Anniversary season at Steppenwolf. If you’re in Chicago in the spring of 2026, he’s starring in the world premiere of Windfall, written by Tarell Alvin McCraney (the guy who wrote Moonlight). It’s a heavy story about a father grappling with grief and a police settlement, and it’s exactly the kind of challenging work Hill thrives on.
The Film Side: Widows and Beyond
While he's a king of the "small screen," his film work is punchy. He had a role in Steve McQueen’s Widows (2018) as Reverend Wheeler. He also popped up in In the Radiant City and the romance Falling Overnight. He tends to pick projects that have something to say about the American condition rather than just chasing blockbusters.
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The Takeaway
If you only know Jon Michael Hill from his badge and gun on CBS, do yourself a favor and look deeper.
Watch these three things to see his full range:
- Pass Over (2018 Film): To see him at his most raw and theatrical.
- Elementary (Season 6, Episode 15): To see his directorial style.
- A Man in Full (2024): To see how he’s matured into a powerhouse dramatic lead.
Track his upcoming work through the Steppenwolf Theatre's official schedule if you want to see him live, as his stage performances are widely considered his most transformative work. Check your local streaming listings for A Man in Full on Netflix to see his latest major television turn.