Rizwan Manji Career and Life Style
Early Life and Education
Rizwan Manji was born on October 17, 1974, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His parents emigrated from Tanzania to Canada and are ethnic Gujaratis of Ismaili Muslim faith. When he was in first grade, the family moved to Calgary, Alberta. He graduated from Crescent Heights High School. Although his parents encouraged higher education, his passion lay in performance. Rizwan briefly attended the University of Alberta, but moved to New York in 1992 to train at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in pursuit of acting.
Early Career and Breakthrough
He began acting in 1997, initially in small roles in film and television. Over time, he appeared in recurring roles on shows such as Privileged, Better Off Ted, and 24. In 2010, Rizwan landed a memorable role on the NBC sitcom Outsourced. He auditioned for a different part, but producers cast him as Rajiv Gidwani—a scheming assistant manager. That performance earned him recognition and paved the way for other significant roles. After that, he appeared regularly on the CBC comedy Schitt’s Creek as Ray Butani from 2015 to 2020, earning a Canadian Screen Award nomination. He also had a recurring part in the fantasy series The Magicians as Tick Pickwick.
Later Work and Versatility
Beyond his major TV characters, Rizwan appeared in numerous well-known series including How I Met Your Mother, NCIS, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Glee, and Crash & Bernstein. He played Reverend Jax in Perfect Harmony in 2019 on NBC. In 2022, he joined the DC Extended Universe series Peacemaker in a key recurring role as Jamil. He also has voice roles in animated series like Mira, Royal Detective and The Lion Guard.
Personal Life and Values
Rizwan Manji lives in Studio City, California, with his wife Taslim and their three children. He practices his Ismaili Muslim faith, which he considers very important in his life. He often speaks about the experience of being a South Asian and Muslim actor in Hollywood. Known for his humor and humility, he tends to keep his personal life private, focusing instead on his craft and public advocacy.
Advocacy and Creative Ventures
Rizwan co-hosts the podcast The Brighter Side of News and has voiced his support for better diversity in entertainment. He speaks openly about representation and his own experiences in casting and roles. His advocacy extends beyond acting, and he often engages in community dialogue about inclusivity and cultural understanding.
Net Worth and Recognition
Estimates for Rizwan Manji’s net worth vary. Some sources place it around 1.3 million USD, while others range between 500,000 and 1 million USD. His income primarily comes from television roles, film appearances, voice work, and occasional commercials. Regardless of exact figures, his steady body of work and enduring presence in high-profile projects highlight his success in a competitive field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where was Rizwan Manji born?
He was born in Toronto, Canada, and raised in Calgary, Alberta. His parents originally came from Tanzania.
For what roles is Rizwan Manji best known?
He is best known for playing Rajiv Gidwani in Outsourced, Ray Butani in Schitt’s Creek, and Tick Pickwick in The Magicians.
Is Rizwan Manji married?
Yes, he is married to Taslim Manji, and they have three children together.
What is Rizwan Manji’s faith?
He is an Ismaili Muslim and has spoken about the importance of his faith in public life.
Has Rizwan Manji won any awards?
Although he hasn’t won major international awards, he did receive a Canadian Screen Award nomination for his work on Schitt’s Creek.