Mahershalalhashbaz Ali was born on February 16, 1974 in Oakland, California. He acquired his Masters degree in acting in New York University. Shortly after graduation, he made his stage debut in the California Shakespeare Festival. His first TV appearance was as Dr. Trey Sanders on the television drama series Crossing Jordan. This was followed by other roles on shows like NYPD Blue, Threat Matrix, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and The Haunted. Now, he stars in the science fiction television series The 4400 as Richard Tyler. Richard Tyler previously disappeared during the Korean War. Later, he returns and develops telekinesis. He finds love in Lily, the granddaughter of his fiancé prior to his abduction. They conceive a child, Isabelle, who is conceived in the future.