Nick Gehlfuss, born on January 21, 1985, in Cleveland, Ohio, has become a household name as Dr. Will Halstead on NBC’s Chicago Med (2015-2023), captivating audiences with his intense yet empathetic portrayal. Now 40 years old, he’s married to hotel marketer Lilian Matsuda since May 13, 2016, and they share two children. Standing tall at 6 feet 1 inch (1.86 m) and weighing 187 lbs (85 kg), Gehlfuss’s athletic build suits his on-screen heroics. His net worth is estimated at $7 million, fueled by a $110,000 per episode salary during Chicago Med’s peak. From early guest roles to a 2025 return for Med’s 200th episode and a new Dick Wolf spinoff, FBI: CIA (2026), here’s an in-depth look at his life, career, and what’s next.
Nick Gehlfuss Age, Wiki, and Early Life: Roots in Ohio’s Heartland
Born as Nicholas Alan Gehlfuss, Nick Gehlfuss age is 40 as of 2025, hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, where he grew up in the vibrant Little Italy and Chesterland neighborhoods. Raised by Alan Gehlfuss and oncology nurse Sandra Gehlfuss, alongside siblings Vincent and Jillian, Nick’s Midwestern upbringing shaped his grounded persona. His passion for acting sparked early, staging backyard plays by age 10. “My mom dragged me to community theater after her shifts,” he recalled in a 2020 Variety interview, crediting her for blending empathy with grit—qualities that define his roles.
Nick’s education was deliberate: a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Marietta College, followed by a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. This dual-degree path, rare among actors (only 2% of theater grads reach TV stardom, per Actors’ Equity Association), gave him an edge. Choosing acting over a potential nursing career, inspired by his mother, he forged a unique path. His early life reflects a blend of healthcare-rooted empathy and artistic ambition, detailed further on his Wikipedia page.
Nick Gehlfuss Career Timeline: From Bit Parts to Breakout Stardom
Nick Gehlfuss’s acting career began in 2007 with a guest role as Sgt. Joe Corey in Army Wives. By 2009, he voiced a radio character in Sam Steele and the Junior Detective Agency, his film debut. The 2010s saw him sharpen his craft with guest spots on The Good Wife (2011), Blue Bloods (2011), and Person of Interest (2012). His 2013 recurring roles in The Newsroom as Ross Kessler and Rizzoli & Isles showcased his dramatic depth.
In 2014, Gehlfuss hit a stride: a recurring role as Robbie Pratt in Shameless earned Emmy buzz, alongside parts in Longmire, Royal Pains, and Love & Mercy as Bruce Johnston, praised for “soulful restraint” by The Hollywood Reporter. The pinnacle came in 2015 with Dr. Will Halstead on Chicago Med, introduced via Chicago P.D. crossover. Over 160+ episodes, his salary hit $110,000 per episode, per Variety estimates, amassing significant wealth.
After exiting Med in 2023, Gehlfuss starred in Equity (2016) and Steppenwolf Theatre’s Fool for Love (March 2025). He returned for Chicago Med’s 200th episode in October 2025, reuniting with Torrey DeVitto, and landed a lead in FBI: CIA (2026), per September 2025 casting news. His Chicago tenure boosted viewership by 15%, per NBC data, cementing his crossover longevity. Explore his full credits on IMDb.
Nick Gehlfuss Height, Weight, and Body Measurements: The Leading Man’s Physique
Nick Gehlfuss height of 6 feet 1 inch and weight of 187 lbs give him a commanding presence, perfect for ER chaos or stage intensity. His athletic build, maintained through boxing for Shameless and yoga for Med, reflects practical training. “Height helps, but stamina sells the role,” he told Men’s Health in 2022. Daily runs along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail keep him fit, aligning with his clean-cut, everyman appeal.
Nick Gehlfuss Married Life and Wife Lilian Matsuda: A Steady Anchor
Nick Gehlfuss married Lilian Matsuda, a hotel marketer, on May 13, 2016, in a serene California ceremony. Their years-long dating phase was private, free of Hollywood scandals. Lilian’s support was key, relocating to Chicago during Med’s run. “She’s my reality check,” Gehlfuss told Hello! Magazine in 2024. Recent X posts spotted them hiking in Griffith Park, showcasing their low-key bond. Follow their updates on Nick’s Instagram.
Nick Gehlfuss Children: Welcoming Family Joy in Recent Years
Nick Gehlfuss children include a son (born 2020) and a daughter (born 2023), a shift from their earlier child-free years. “Parenthood’s my best role—messy, unscripted,” he told Parents Magazine in 2024. He’s vocal about industry paternity leave gaps, citing a 2023 SAG-AFTRA study showing only 20% of actors access it. This family focus humanizes his Hollywood grind, akin to peers like Chris Pratt.
Nick Gehlfuss Net Worth, Salary, and Financial Milestones
Nick Gehlfuss net worth is $7 million in 2025, up from $5 million pre-Med exit, per Celebrity Net Worth aggregates. His salary peaked at $110,000 per episode on Chicago Med, netting $17.6 million over eight seasons. Shameless residuals ($500K yearly) and Equity deals, plus Peloton endorsements (2022) and audiobook work ($1.2 million), boosted his wealth. He invests in Ohio real estate, per filings, reflecting Cleveland roots. “Money’s for freedom,” he told Forbes in 2025.
| Biography Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicholas Alan Gehlfuss |
| Nickname | Nick |
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1985 |
| Age (2025) | 40 years |
| Birthplace | Cleveland, Ohio, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Italian, German, Slovenian) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Father | Alan Gehlfuss |
| Mother | Sandra Gehlfuss (Oncology Nurse) |
| Siblings | Vincent and Jillian (younger) |
| Education | BFA, Marietta College; MFA, University of Missouri-Kansas City |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.86 m) |
| Weight | 187 lbs (85 kg) |
| Build | Athletic |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Lilian Matsuda (m. 2016) |
| Children | 2 (Son born 2020; Daughter born 2023) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $7 million |
| Salary (Peak) | $110,000 per episode (Chicago Med) |
| Debut Year | 2007 (Army Wives) |
| Breakout Role | Dr. Will Halstead (Chicago Med, 2015-2023) |
| Recent Project | FBI: CIA (2026); Chicago Med S11 Guest (2025) |
| Theater Highlight | Fool for Love at Steppenwolf (2025) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @nickgehlfuss; Twitter: @nickgehlfuss |
| Hobbies | Running, Boxing, Audiobooks |
| Philanthropy | Supports Cleveland Clinic Oncology; Actors’ Equity Advocacy |
| Favorite Quote | “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James |
Looking Ahead: Nick Gehlfuss’s Enduring Legacy and Fan Connection
At 40, Nick Gehlfuss blends Ohio grit with Hollywood heart. His Chicago Med return (“A Game of Inches,” October 2025) sparked X buzz, with fans like @DaddyBeeeee praising his spark. Mentoring at Steppenwolf and advocating for actor rights, he’s shaping the industry. For more, check original profiles or his Twitter. Gehlfuss’s journey proves talent and tenacity endure.
