Jimmy Smits: Summary

Recent Role:: Miguel Prado on Dexter

Gender:: Male

Birthday:: 7-9-1955

Birthplace:: Brooklyn, New York

AKA:: James Smits

Jimmy was born in 1955 to a Surinamese father and Puerto Rican mother. His father was a silk screen plant manager and his mother was a nurse. He was two older sisters.

From his days at Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, he enjoyed acting. His family did not traditionally go far in education, and when he fathered a child at 19 and married young, things looked bleak. However, he went on to study drama at Brooklyn College, graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts and Theatre degree. He also earned a BA and an MA (Cornell University).

With small roles in shows like Miami Vice, he got his big break in 1986 in LA Law, and followed it up with an award-winning stint in NYPD Blue.

He divorced Barbara after 8 years in 1983. Together they have two children (Taina (b. 1973) and Joaquin (b. 1983)), and has been with Wanda de Jesus since 1985.

Jimmy's career has gone from strength to strength with small screen success in The West Wing and big screen appearances the Prequels to Star Wars. Jimmy was born in 1955 to a Surinamese father and Puerto Rican mother. His father was a silk screen plant manager and his mother was a nurse. He was two older sisters.

From his days at Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, he enjoyed acting. His family did not traditionally go far in education, and when he fathered a child at 19 and married young, things looked...

Jimmy Does 4th of July by LMH68 07/02/2008 9:14am
Jimmy moves to Dexter by LMH68 06/08/2008 11:32am
Jimmy to return as Bail Organa by LMH68 06/03/2008 12:46pm

Jimmy Smits stabs stuntman on Dexter set
New cast member on Showtime's dark drama accidentally shanks stuntman with real knife.
- 10/03/08 1:28 PM
- 59 comments \ add yours
Cast updates: Smits cuts up Dexter
L.A. Law vet joins Showtime drama; Gary Cole starring in ABC's drama Good Behavior.
- 06/06/08 4:45 PM
- 19 comments \ add yours

10
10
tigeress2112
member since: Nov 20, 2007
I have been a big fan for many years.People can really get into the characters you play.Not alot of actors can hold an audience interest in a character as you have.Kudos! I look forward to seeing you for many years to come., Take care ,Chris ...Continue »
Jimmy Smits is one of the all time greats ,I have been a big fan for many years.He really got my attention with LA Law,loved his character.Never got tired of watching Jimmy.I have followed his career all the through to Cane.I have never been disappointed in his work.It's always a pleasure to watch him on screen.Jimmys extreme good looks doesn't hurt one little bit either.His striking features make it very easy for you to believe in his character,and to feel what hes feeling when hes saying his lines.Excellent quality in an actor.I give Jimmy Smits a 10,he deserves the highest score he has earned it.
11/19/07 09:10am | report abuse
10
10
maryhk
member since: Nov 7, 2007
Jimmy Smits is a fabulous actor! I've enjoyed his acting in movies as well as in his LA Law days and NYPD Blues. I'm so happy to see him in a leading role again. Wishing Jimmy great success! I'll be watching Cane faithfully. It's a great new show. ...Continue »
I think Jimmy Smits is a fabulous actor. He is by far one of my favorite actors. I've enjoyed his acting in movies as well as in his LA Law days and NYPD Blues. I'd love the chance to see him act in a play. I'm so happy to see him in a leading role again. As Alex Vega, he commands respect yet shows the emotional side of taking over the family business. But, it's interesting to see him as the bad guy for a change (e.g, hiring hit men to take out anyone who opposes him family). Wishing Jimmy great success! I'll be watching Cane faithfully. It's a great new show.

And what a handsome man!
11/06/07 05:30pm | report abuse
10
10
zachysnana
member since: May 18, 2007
Jimmy Smits is one of the most talented mail actors on television. I am surprised he has not gotten alot more big screen roles. He can be mean and soft, he is so strong he can make you understand what he feels, without much effort. He is a 10, in looks. ...Continue »
I have watched almost everything Jimmy Smits has appeared in. He is such a Diverse actor. He scores 100, in my eyes! He has played a bad guy, good guy, politician and so many other roles. It amazes me that he is not as famous as Brad Pitt and George Clooney, in big screen roles. He certainly has the looks.
05/17/07 12:27pm | report abuse