Born in England with the surname Hill, he first appeared on stage in the United States in 1811 at the Park Theatre in New York playing Walter in The Children of the Wood.

He quickly became a popular performer at the Park, and pleased audiences in comedic roles ranging from Shakespeare to new productions such as Paul Pry (1825), though he also did well in non-comedic roles.

Charles Francis Adams Sr. (son and grandson of the Adams' presidents) mentions, on July 5, 1826, attending the Park Theatre and seeing "Hilson in the amusing character of Paul Pry and enjoyed a very hearty laugh.

Upon his death he was said to be "long known in various parts of the United States as one of the best Comedians of the day.

After Hilson's widow died, Simpson adopted their young daughter Maria.