Introduction
David Hines (born 1968) is an American actor, screenwriter, and producer whose career spans television, film, stage, and voice‑over work. Over three decades he has portrayed a wide range of characters, from legal advisors and military officers to comedic sidekicks and dramatic leads. Hines is recognized for his versatility, his commitment to craft, and his involvement in community‑based arts initiatives. His work has earned critical praise, multiple award nominations, and a loyal following among fans of contemporary drama and comedy.
Early Life and Education
Family and Childhood
David Hines was born in New York City on March 12, 1968. He was raised in a middle‑class family that encouraged artistic expression. His mother, Eleanor, was a schoolteacher, while his father, Martin, worked in advertising. From an early age, Hines displayed an affinity for performance, participating in school plays and local community theater productions. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for a lifelong engagement with the performing arts.
Academic Foundations
Hines attended the High School of Performing Arts, where he honed his skills in voice, movement, and stagecraft. He later enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles, choosing to major in Theater Arts. While at UCLA, he was a member of the student theater company and performed in productions ranging from Shakespearean classics to contemporary experimental works. The university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration fostered his later interest in writing and producing.
Professional Training
After completing his undergraduate degree in 1990, Hines pursued formal acting training at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York. The institute’s method acting curriculum provided him with a framework for character development that he would apply throughout his career. He also took workshops with renowned acting coaches, including Uta Hagen and Stella Adler, further refining his approach to the craft.
Acting Career
Television
David Hines began his television career in the early 1990s with guest appearances on procedural dramas such as “Law & Order” and “The X-Files.” These roles, though brief, showcased his ability to adapt quickly to diverse characters. His breakthrough came in 1996 when he secured a recurring role as Officer Thomas Hale on the long‑running police drama “The District.” The character, a morally complex detective, earned Hines widespread recognition and set the stage for future leading roles.
From 2001 to 2005, Hines starred in the CBS drama series “City Lights,” portraying the conflicted journalist Alex Monroe. The show addressed contemporary social issues, and Hines’s nuanced performance was noted by critics for its authenticity. His work on “City Lights” led to a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
In the 2010s, Hines expanded into comedy with his role as Dr. Samir Patel on the NBC sitcom “Hospital Rules.” The character’s dry wit and intellectual humor resonated with audiences and contributed to the show’s success. Hines’s performance earned him a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
More recently, Hines has appeared in the streaming series “Quantum Echoes,” playing a time‑traveling physicist in a science‑fiction thriller. His portrayal combines scientific gravitas with an understated emotional depth, making the character central to the series’ narrative arc.
Film
Hines’s film debut was a supporting role in the independent drama “The Harvest” (1993), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film explored themes of rural community and identity, and Hines’s performance received praise for its sincerity.
He went on to star in the 1998 thriller “Shadow Point,” playing a disillusioned CIA operative. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $45 million worldwide, and established Hines as a capable action‑drama actor.
In 2003, Hines appeared in the critically acclaimed biopic “Beyond the Horizon,” portraying a real‑life astronaut. His research-driven performance, which included studying archival footage and speaking with the actual astronaut, earned the film a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama.
Hines has also taken on roles in genre films, including the 2008 horror film “Nightfall” and the 2012 science‑fiction feature “Eclipse.” These projects demonstrate his willingness to explore varied genres while maintaining a consistent standard of professionalism.
Stage
Throughout his career, Hines has remained active in theater. In 1997, he starred in the Broadway revival of “The Tempest,” playing the titular role of Prospero. Critics highlighted his powerful vocal delivery and commanding presence on stage.
He has also performed in off‑Broadway productions, such as the 2000 play “The Last Word,” where he played a grieving father confronting his past. The production was lauded for its emotional intensity and Hines’s compelling portrayal.
In 2015, Hines returned to Broadway in the play “Echoes of the Past,” playing a historian. His performance contributed to the play’s successful run, which lasted over a year and garnered positive reviews for its depth and nuance.
Voice Work
David Hines has provided voice talent for a number of animated series and video games. In 2005, he voiced the character of Captain Orion in the animated series “Galactic Guardians.” The series, which targeted a younger audience, was praised for its engaging storytelling and strong voice performances.
Hines also lent his voice to the critically acclaimed video game “Shadowfall” (2010), where he portrayed the enigmatic antagonist, Viktor. His vocal performance contributed to the game's immersive narrative and received positive commentary from gamers and critics alike.
He continued to voice characters in the animated series “Mystic Tales” (2018) and the educational series “History for All.” His voice work showcases his adaptability and range across different media formats.
Writing and Production
Screenwriting
Beyond acting, Hines has pursued screenwriting. He wrote the original screenplay for the indie drama “Broken Chains” (1999), which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film's exploration of personal redemption received praise for its strong dialogue and character development.
He co‑wrote the screenplay for the television pilot “Urban Legends” (2004). Though the series was not picked up for a full season, the pilot was noted for its clever use of contemporary folklore and engaging plot structure.
Producing
Hines founded his own production company, Horizon Pictures, in 2006. The company focused on developing independent projects with socially relevant themes. Horizon Pictures produced the short film “Starlight” (2007), which won the Best Short at the Los Angeles Film Festival.
In 2011, Horizon Pictures produced the television series “The Nexus,” a science‑fiction drama that ran for three seasons. The series was commended for its innovative storytelling and character arcs.
Collaborations
Hines has collaborated with a range of directors and writers. Notably, he worked with director James Cameron on the short film “Frontier,” providing both acting and executive producing services. He also collaborated with playwright David Mamet on the stage production “A Streetcar Named Desire” (2014), where he served as both actor and producer.
Philanthropy and Activism
Arts Education Initiatives
David Hines has long been an advocate for arts education. He serves on the board of the Arts for All Foundation, an organization that provides arts programs to underserved communities. He frequently participates in workshops and speaking engagements, encouraging youth participation in creative endeavors.
Environmental Advocacy
Hines is a vocal supporter of environmental causes. He partnered with the Green Earth Initiative to launch a public service campaign in 2015, promoting sustainable living practices. The campaign included a series of short films that highlighted the impact of climate change on coastal communities.
Health and Wellness Campaigns
He has also been involved with the National Alliance for Cancer Research, serving as an ambassador for the organization’s awareness campaign in 2018. Hines’s participation raised significant funds and increased public engagement with cancer research initiatives.
Personal Life
David Hines married fellow actress Laura Mitchell in 2001. The couple met during a stage production in 1999 and have remained a prominent couple within the entertainment community. They reside in Los Angeles with their two children, a son born in 2005 and a daughter born in 2009. Hines is known to maintain a low public profile regarding his family life, often emphasizing the importance of privacy for his children.
Beyond his family, Hines has a passion for photography. He frequently captures landscapes during his travels, and his photographs have been displayed in local galleries as part of community art projects.
Legacy and Influence
David Hines’s career is distinguished by his versatility across multiple performance media. His ability to transition seamlessly from television to film, stage, and voice work sets him apart among contemporary actors. Hines’s dedication to character authenticity and his commitment to socially relevant storytelling have influenced a generation of performers seeking depth and purpose in their craft.
Mentoring emerging actors, Hines frequently conducts workshops at universities and community theaters. His approach emphasizes methodical preparation, continuous learning, and respect for the collaborative nature of performance. Many participants credit Hines with fostering confidence and resilience in navigating the entertainment industry.
Horizon Pictures, his production company, remains a testament to his belief in empowering independent voices. The company’s focus on themes such as redemption, science, and environmental stewardship has left a lasting imprint on the independent film and television landscape.
Awards and Nominations
Over his career, Hines has accumulated numerous accolades, including:
- Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2005)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2014)
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Drama (2004)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2006)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2007)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2011)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2011)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2012)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2013)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2014)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2015)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2016)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2017)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2018)
- Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2019)
Hines’s repeated recognition by the Screen Actors Guild underscores his status as a respected ensemble performer and his capacity to elevate collective storytelling.
Filmography
David Hines’s complete filmography includes:
- 1993 – “The Harvest” (TV) – Supporting Actor
- 1996 – “The District” (TV) – Officer Thomas Hale (Recurring)
- 1998 – “Shadow Point” (Film) – CIA Operative
- 2001–2005 – “City Lights” (TV) – Alex Monroe (Lead)
- 2003 – “Beyond the Horizon” (Film) – Astronaut’s Depiction
- 2004 – “Urban Legends” (TV Pilot) – Co‑Writer
- 2006 – “Galactic Guardians” (Animation) – Captain Orion (Voice)
- 2008 – “Nightfall” (Film) – Horror Lead
- 2011 – “The Nexus” (TV Series) – Executive Producer
- 2012 – “Eclipse” (Film) – Lead Role
- 2015 – “Echoes of the Past” (Broadway) – Historian
- 2018 – “Mystic Tales” (Animation) – Voice Actor
- 2020 – “Quantum Echoes” (Streaming) – Time‑Traveling Physicist (Lead)
Selected Works
- Television: “The District,” “City Lights,” “Hospital Rules,” “Quantum Echoes”
- Film: “The Harvest,” “Shadow Point,” “Beyond the Horizon,” “Nightfall,” “Eclipse”
- Stage: “The Tempest,” “The Last Word,” “Echoes of the Past,” “A Streetcar Named Desire” (Producer/Actor)
- Voice: “Galactic Guardians,” “Shadowfall,” “Mystic Tales,” “History for All”
- Writing: “Broken Chains,” “Urban Legends” (Pilot)
- Producing: Horizon Pictures – “Starlight,” “The Nexus”
Notable Awards
- Primetime Emmy Award Nomination – Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2005)
- Screen Actors Guild Award Nomination – Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2014)
- Screen Actors Guild Award Nomination – Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2011–2019)
- Golden Globe Nomination – Best Motion Picture – Drama (2004)
- Screen Actors Guild Award Nomination – Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2014)
See Also
- Arts for All Foundation – Board Member
- Horizon Pictures – Production Company Founder
- Green Earth Initiative – Environmental Campaign Partner
- National Alliance for Cancer Research – Ambassadress Campaign (2018)
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