Robert L. Hines, born on January 17, 1970, in the United States, spent his formative years in Chicago. He attended Chicago Vocational High School on the city's South Side before enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves in August 1988. For six years, he served as a Cannon Crewman in the Field Artillery division.
Following his time in the military, Hines pursued his passion for comedy. In 1991, he began performing stand-up at various venues, honing his craft and gaining recognition for his sharp wit and engaging stage presence. In 1994, he took on a different role as a Correctional Officer at Cook County Jail in Chicago. Despite the demands of his job, Hines continued to devote time to his comedy career, balancing both worlds until 2003 when he decided to focus solely on entertainment.
Hines' big break came when he landed the role of Toby Jones in a series of viral spoof commercials for "Jones' Good-Ass BBQ and Foot Massage." The humorous and memorable ads catapulted him to national attention, showcasing his comedic talent and knack for delivering laugh-out-loud performances. His success in the commercials led to opportunities in film and television, with appearances on shows like BET's Comic View, Comedy Central's Comic Justice, and Fox's Uptown Comedy Club.
Family is an integral part of Hines' life, with his parents, Vera Mae and Bobby Frank Hines, playing a supportive role in his journey. Their encouragement and love have been instrumental in his success, providing a strong foundation from which he continues to grow and thrive in his career.
One notable moment in Hines' career was during the NBA Playoffs in 2016 when basketball superstar Stephen Curry was seen preparing for games by dancing and singing along with the Jones' BBQ jingle. The viral moment further solidified Hines' place in pop culture, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Throughout his career, Hines has proven himself to be a versatile talent, capable of entertaining audiences with his comedic prowess and infectious charm. His dedication to his craft and unwavering passion for making people laugh have endeared him to fans around the world, solidifying his place as a comedic force to be reckoned with.