Michael Warren Net Worth

Overview

Michael Warren is an American actor and former college basketball player. Born on March 5, 1946, in South Bend, Indiana, he is best known for his role as Officer Bobby Hill on the NBC television series ‘Hill Street Blues’ (1981-1987). Warren’s portrayal of Bobby Hill earned him critical acclaim and helped pave the way for more diverse representation in television. Before his acting career, Warren was a star basketball player at UCLA during the John Wooden era, playing alongside future NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor). He contributed to three consecutive NCAA championships from 1967 to 1969. Following his athletic career, Warren transitioned to acting, appearing in numerous television series and films over four decades. His work includes roles in ‘Sierra,’ ‘Paris,’ and guest appearances on shows like ‘In the House,’ ‘Soul Food,’ and ‘Lincoln Heights.’ Warren’s diverse career highlights his versatility and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on television.

What Is Michael Warren’s Net Worth?

As of recent estimates, Michael Warren’s net worth is approximately $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful acting career, most notably his role as Officer Bobby Hill on “Hill Street Blues” (1981-1987), and his earlier achievements as a college basketball player. He has been a consistent presence in television and film for over four decades.

Early Life and Basketball Career

Lloyd Michael Warren was born on March 5, 1946, in South Bend, Indiana. He excelled both academically and athletically at Central High School, where he was class president and earned all-state honors in basketball. Warren’s basketball skills led to a scholarship at UCLA, where he majored in television, radio, and film. From 1966 to 1968, Warren played as a starting guard, contributing to UCLA’s three consecutive NCAA national championships in 1967 and 1968, playing alongside future NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor). Standing at 5’11”, Warren was known for his speed and defensive abilities. In 1966, he was recognized as the team’s best defender. In 1968, he earned All-American honors, underscoring his significance in UCLA’s dominance in college basketball during that period. Although he was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 14th round (173rd overall) of the 1968 NBA Draft, his professional basketball career was brief.

Acting Career and “Hill Street Blues”

In the early 1970s, Warren transitioned to acting, securing initial roles in television series like “Sierra” (1974) and “The White Shadow.” His breakthrough came with the role of Officer Bobby Hill on “Hill Street Blues.” His portrayal of Officer Bobby Hill earned him critical acclaim. The show ran for seven seasons, from 1981 to 1987. Warren’s character was one of the few African American characters on television at the time who was portrayed with complexity and nuance. The show helped establish new standards for television drama. In 1988, he produced the TV movie “Home Free”.

Later Career and Notable Roles

After “Hill Street Blues,” Warren continued to work in television, with recurring roles on series such as “Soul Food,” where he played Baron Marks, “City of Angels,” and “Lincoln Heights,” where he played Spencer Sutton. In 2000, he co-starred on the hospital series “City of Angels”. In 2001, he played Officer William Henderson in an episode of TV series The District, entitled “The Project”. He also made guest appearances on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (2002), “JAG,” “The District,” “Night Stalker,” “Girlfriends,” “Criminal Minds,” and “Sadie and Emmie”. In 2019, he appeared in the film “American Skin” as Melvin. He guest starred in In the House opposite LL Cool J as Debbie Allen’s ex-husband.

Family and Personal Life

Michael Warren married Sue Narramore in 1974, and they had two children, including Cash Warren, before divorcing. Cash Warren, born in 1979, is a producer and businessman with an estimated net worth of $50 million as of 2025. Cash gained public attention for marrying actress Jessica Alba in 2008. Michael Warren has three grandchildren: Honor (born 2008), Haven (born 2011), and Hayes (born 2017). Michael and his wife Jenny have two children together.