Charlie Hill was born on June 7, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan. At a young age, he moved back to his family's homestead on the Oneida reservation. Hill is of Oneida-Mohawk-Cree heritage, which influenced his sense of humor and comedic style.
He attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where he studied speech and drama. While in college, Hill became involved with the Broom Street Theatre Group, where he honed his acting and comedic skills.
After college, Hill moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting and comedy. In 1977, he made his television debut on The Richard Pryor Show, showcasing his unique comedic talents.
Hill gained recognition for his writing contributions to the original series run of Roseanne. Additionally, he became a familiar face on the Late Night circuit, appearing on shows like Jay Leno and David Letterman.
Charlie Hill made history as the first Native American comedian to grace The Tonight Show stage with Johnny Carson. This milestone solidified his place in the comedy world and opened doors for other indigenous artists.
Throughout his career, Hill amassed over 10 comedic acting roles, showcasing his versatility and talent. He also received the Native America on the Web honor for his lifetime of promoting positive images of Native Peoples through the healing power of humor.
Charlie Hill's legacy extends beyond his comedy. He was actively involved in the American Indian Movement and was interviewed by activist Dennis Banks in the documentary A Good Day to Die. Hill used his platform to shed light on indigenous issues and bring awareness to important causes.
His influence in the comedy world and his dedication to advocating for Native American representation have left a lasting impact. Charlie Hill will always be remembered as a trailblazer who challenged stereotypes and inspired future generations of indigenous artists.