Sharif Atkins

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sharif Atkins got his start in acting when he moved to Los Angeles and landed his first guest-starring roles on “That’s Life,” “The District” and “Arliss.” However, his big break came when he was cast in “The Big Time,” a two-hour pilot developed by “ER” executive producer John Wells.

Impressed with the young actor, Wells offered Atkins the role of Dr. Michael Gallant on “ER,” a new character introduced on an arc in the 2001-02 season. He remained with medical drama until being cast in 2004 to play Detective John Declan on the short-lived police drama “Hawaii.” Atkins continued to make guest appearances on “ER” through the end of the 2005-06 season.

Currently, Atkins is a recurring guest-star on the USA Network smash hit show “White Collar.” He is also well known to television audiences for his recurring and guest starring roles on hit series “The 4400,” “CSI: Miami,” “Criminal Minds,” “The Good Wife,” “Raising the Bar” and “Numbers.”

Expanding his talents to the big screen, in 2010 Atkins played the lead role and love interest in the feature film “Preacher’s Kid” directed by Stan Foster. His film credits also include “Paved With Good Intentions,” “Out Of Exile” and “All-Nighter.”

"I am really excited and humbled to be involved with Operation Smile," Atkins said. "For a few years, I have been giving on a small scale to the organization to literally and figuratively bring smiles to children's faces. Now, to be brought into the fold as an ambassador and help spread the word so the world will see what the organization does is just awesome." 

Atkins has already demonstrated his enthusiastic support by launching an online fundraiser and giveaway to support Operation Smile during the month of June which is National Smile Month. Sharif is asking his fans to visit his personal Fundraising Campaign on Crowdrise at www.crowdrise.com/sharifsmile and help him raise $4,800 to provide life-changing surgery for 20 children.

Everyone who donates to Operation Smile through Sharif’s Crowdrise campaign page will be entered to win lunch with Sharif in New York City, as well as a tour of the “White Collar” set.

Atkins resides in Los Angeles but also spends a portion of the year living in New York City, where he shoots the USA Network's TV series “White Collar.”