Julian Cihi stands out as a versatile Japanese-American actor, writer, and voice performer whose body of work spans major international stages, prestige television networks, and acclaimed animation projects. Recognized globally for his pivotal role as Tim Kono in the hit Hulu mystery-comedy series Only Murders in the Building, Cihi combines classical theatrical training with a distinct bicultural upbringing. His career bridges the artistic communities of both New York and Tokyo, offering audiences a rare blend of stage mastery and contemporary screen presence.

Quick Facts About Julian Cihi

To understand the scope of his background and career trajectory, a concise overview highlights his personal and professional milestones. The data below outlines his vital statistics, family roots, and public standing.

Early Life and Family Background

Born on March 13, 1987, in Tokyo, Japan, Julian Cihi grew up navigating two distinct cultural worlds. His mother, Aki Mizusawa, is a prominent Japanese actress, while his father, Guy Cihi, is an American businessman, tech professional, and voice actor known widely for his role as James Sunderland in the video game Silent Hill 2. Because of his parents, Cihi grew up speaking both English and Japanese fluently, giving him a seamless linguistic advantage in international projects. He has one sister, Frances Cihi, with whom he shares his bicultural heritage.

During his childhood in Tokyo, he attended an international school, which shaped his global perspective and introduced him to diverse artistic influences. Before pursuing performing arts professionally, Cihi held a very different childhood ambition. He envisioned opening and operating his own authentic ramen noodle shop in Japan, reflecting his lifelong appreciation for Japanese culinary culture before the theater ultimately captured his full attention.

Educational Background and Artistic Training

After completing his formative education in Tokyo, Cihi moved to the United States at the age of 17 to pursue higher education. He enrolled at Brown University, where he dual-majored in Theatre Arts and International Relations. During his undergraduate years, he immersed himself in campus musical groups and performed in an a cappella ensemble. A spontaneous audition for a campus production of West Side Story, where he was cast as Tony while participating in choir, solidified his theatrical ambitions.

Following his graduation from Brown University, Cihi advanced his craft by earning a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Acting from New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. This intensive program equipped him with rigorous technical foundations for complex stage and screen work, allowing him to transition smoothly from classical theater to modern television writing and performance.

Rise to Prominence on Stage

Cihi established his professional footprint in the theater world before breaking into mainstream television. In 2013, he secured a high-profile Off-Broadway role, starring as Romeo opposite Elizabeth Olsen in the Classic Stage Company production of Romeo and Juliet. This production drew substantial critical attention and established him as a rising talent in the competitive New York theater circuit.

He made his official Broadway debut in 2015, portraying Nikolai Nikolayovich in the musical adaptation of Doctor Zhivago. His stage career continued to expand with critical acclaim when he appeared as Takeshi Kawabata in the Broadway revival of Take Me Out between 2022 and 2023. Leveraging his bilingual capabilities, he has also performed in Japanese-language theater productions, including roles as Roger in a Japanese staging of Rent and Orlando in a Japanese musical adaptation of As You Like It.

Television and Film Career Breakthroughs

Transitioning to screen acting, Cihi secured guest and recurring roles across major networks and streaming platforms. He appeared in crime dramas and comedies such as The Mysteries of Laura, Mr. Robot, Crashing, and the Amazon Prime superhero series The Tick as Edgelord. These early television appearances allowed him to build substantial on-camera experience alongside seasoned industry veterans.

His career reached a major turning point in 2021 when he was cast as Tim Kono in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. His character’s mysterious demise serves as the central catalyst for the show’s entire first season. He returned to the series for its fifth season in 2025, cementing his status in modern television lore. Beyond live-action television, Cihi expanded into prestige voice work. He voiced the Katayanagi Twins in the Netflix animated series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and portrayed Benjiro in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.

Complete List of Notable Movies and TV Shows

Cihi’s filmography covers a wide range of genres, from serialized mystery dramas to indie cinema and high-profile animation. His willingness to take on diverse character types keeps his career dynamic and unpredictable.

• Only Murders in the Building (2021, 2025) as Tim Kono
• The Tick (2016-2019) as Edgelord
• Mr. Robot (2016) as Marcel
• Gypsy (2017) as Max
• The Outpost (2018) as Erik
• The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live (2024) as Benjiro
• Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023) as Katayanagi Twins (Voice)
• Maki (2018) as Tommy
• Homebody (2021) as Guru
• High School Lover (2017) as Journey Segal

Voice Acting and Audiobook Narrations

Beyond screen and stage performance, Cihi maintains a prolific career in voice work. His vocal versatility allows him to narrate major commercial audiobooks for leading publishers. Most notably, he lent his voice to record the audiobook production of the bestselling novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.

His background in vocal performance and musical theater aids his stamina and precision in recording booth environments. Voice acting requires acute attention to vocal cadence and emotional delivery without the aid of physical movement, skills that Cihi refined through years of intensive stage acting and vocal training.

Julian Cihi Net Worth and Financial Portfolio

As of 2026, Julian Cihi holds an estimated net worth of $1.5 million USD. His financial portfolio stems from a combination of television contracts, Broadway and Off-Broadway theater salaries, commercial voice-over projects, audiobook narration royalties, and writing endeavors.

High-profile streaming credits like Only Murders in the Building and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off significantly contribute to his ongoing professional earnings. , his consistent involvement in theater productions and commercial voice narration ensures a steady and diversified stream of income across multiple entertainment sectors.

Personal Life, Relationship Status, and Advocacy

Julian Cihi keeps his personal life remarkably private. At 39 years old, he is currently unmarried and does not have a public girlfriend or long-term partner. He has not shared details regarding past romantic relationships, preferring to let his professional body of work speak for itself.

He resides primarily between the United States and Japan, maintaining active ties to his bicultural heritage and family roots. When he is not working on set or studying scripts, he advocates for mental health awareness in the arts, frequently appearing on industry podcasts to discuss psychological resilience and coping mechanisms for actor rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Julian Cihi’s age?

Julian Cihi is 39 years old, born on March 13, 1987.

Who are Julian Cihi’s parents?

His mother is Japanese actress Aki Mizusawa and his father is American businessman and voice actor Guy Cihi.

What is Julian Cihi’s most famous role?

He is best known for portraying Tim Kono in the Hulu comedy-mystery series Only Murders in the Building.

Is Julian Cihi bilingual?

Yes, he speaks both English and Japanese fluently due to his bicultural upbringing in Tokyo.

What is Julian Cihi’s net worth?

As of 2026, his estimated net worth is $1.5 million USD.