“The family of Gil Hill is deeply saddened to inform the public that Gil passed away [yesterday] and joined the ancestors in the land of glory. As many of you know, Gil had been recently hospitalized and was on the road to recovery. We are relieved that his passing was peaceful and painless … We ask that you pray for the family and respect our privacy during this difficult time.” – Chris Jackson, Hill family spokesperson
Gil Hill joined the Detroit Police Department in 1959, with his skills, hard work and sterling reputation eventually resulting in an appointment to the position of inspector of the homicide division. Hill passed away on Monday, Feb. 29. He was admitted to the hospital two weeks or so ago, suffering from respiratory problems. The cause of death has been identified as pneumonia.
In a statement, Mayor Mike Duggan said, “Gil Hill spent more than 40 years serving our city in the Detroit Police Department and as a member of the Detroit City Council. He never stopped believing in our city and dedicated his life to making our city a better place for all.”
Born in Birmingham, Alabama on Nov. 5, 1931, Gilbert R. Hill joined the United States Air Force in 1950, stationed at Selfridge Air Force Base, located in Harrison Township, near Mount Clemens. When it was time to leave the Air Force, he opted to stay in the area rather than return to Birmingham.
Hill joined the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department in 1957 and two years later made the transition to the Detroit Police Department. His many years with the police department notwithstanding, Hill soared to national prominence when he was chosen to play hard-nosed, salty-tongued Inspector Todd in the 1984 film Beverly Hills Cop starring Eddie Murphy.
“The only difference between Inspector Todd and my real life,” said Hill, “is that I don’t curse as much in real life.” He appeared as Inspector Todd in the two sequels as well, Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) and Beverly Hills Cop III (1994). The films were shot partially in Detroit.
At a ceremony honoring Hill, Mayor Coleman quipped, “You had to work awfully hard to make Detroit look that bad.” Detroit was known as “the Murder Capital of America” at the time.
When Beverly Hills Cop was at its peak of popularity, Hill said he was contemplating leaving the Detroit Police Department to pursue a career as an actor. “Why not?” he said. Fortunately, he was just caught up in the moment and realized that would not be a wise move for a number of reasons.
Hill ran for the Detroit City Council and easily won a seat in 1989, and became council president in 1997. He was not successful in a run for mayor in 2001, losing out to Kwame Kilpatrick.
Funeral arrangements for Gil Hill will be handled by Swanson Funeral Home. Hill’s wife, Delores, died last year. His survivors include a daughter and two sons.
For more information call 313-923-1122 or 313-272=9000
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