<Tr> <Th> Occupation </Th> <Td> Actor </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Years active </Th> <Td> 1985--present </Td> </Tr> <P> Dominic Hoffman is an actor . He is perhaps best known for his recurring roles on A Different World as Whitley's boyfriend, Julian Day, and Grey's Anatomy as Dr. Jeff Russell . Most recently as costar in the movie "Phil Spector" and recurring roles on television shows: The Shield (2004 - 5), Hawaii 5 - 0 (2015), CSI (2015), The Mentalist (2009) and Castle (2013). His successful film career includes two David Mamet movies "Phil Spector" and "Red Belt ." By the early 2000s, Hoffman had a number of different projects under his belt, including "The Dead One" (2007) starring Wilmer Valderrama, "Redbelt" with Chiwetel Ejiofor (2008) and "The Answer Man" (2009) starring Jeff Daniels . His credits have expanded to the Will Ferrell and Brad Pitt box office smash "Megamind" (2010) and voice - over for the Ben Stiller blockbuster animated sequel "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" (2012). </P> <P> He is also an accomplished theater actor and playwright, earning Ovation awards in 2000 for his one - man show "Uncle Jacques' Symphony," a play that celebrates humanity as a musical metaphor . Its participants are a group of singular characters, all performed by Hoffman, with minimal alteration, played to maximum effect . Men and women, young and old, of different cultures and beliefs vividly come together on stage for ninety minutes . Their personal rhythms, unique harmonies, and the familiar melody of their stories combine to form a symphony of life . Ovation awards for best actor in a play, writing, and best world premiere . </P>

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