Jimmy Smits: TV Series

Ranked #13,304 in Entertainment, #162,821 overall

Jimmy Smits on TV

Jimmy Smits has been a beloved part of the American television scene for a quarter of a century or so. Explain to me, then, how he manages to look almost the same, only... better. Clearly, he has good genes and lives right. He certainly seems to live a life that turns outward, rather than in -- although by this I don't mean extroversion. From what I've read and from what I've witnessed when he appears on camera as "himself," he seems a little bit shy and self-effacing. A 2007 interview with Parade magazine quotes him: "It's a very me-oriented business," the 53-year-old actor says by way of explanation. "But I don't feel at my optimum when I have to deal at that level."

By "living outward" I mean that he spends time and energy trying to give something back to society. In addition to helping to establish the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, Jimmy Smits is involved in New York Cares and the Red Cross and has also played a roll in raising funds and awareness for AIDS and colorectal cancer, disaster relief, and a variety of human rights causes. His commitment to promoting and supporting the Latino community remains a driving and ongoing interest.

His most recent television venture was the starring role in Outlaw, which premiered in September 2010. Unfortunately, we didn't have nearly enough time to enjoy his talent in that series before it rode off into the sunset, but luckily we also have a lot of wonderful performances in previous television series. Let's take a look back.

[Photo: WPBT2 Improm2 blog]

What Role Should Jimmy Smits Play Next?

Fans of this talented and well-respected actor are once again reduced to waiting for Jimmy Smits to return to series television. In the wake of the show Outlaw, in which he played a former Supreme Court justice, Smits is ripe for another project. He has successfully played legal professionals, law enforcement officers, moguls, and politicians. How would you like to see him cast next?

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LA Law: Victor Sifuentes

type=textThe first time I remember seeing Jimmy Smits on TV was on LA Law -- a Steven Bochco legal drama that aired from 1986 - 1994. He'd appeared on other TV dramas. Single episodes of Spenser for Hire and Miami Vice, for example. But LA Law was his first series, and he appeared in 107 episodes. He left the show at the end of the 1991-1992 season. In the show, he plays former public defender Victor Sifuentes, who accepts a position with the prestigious law firm of MacKenzie-Brackman. His smoldering sexiness, combined with his character's passionate pursuit of justice won him legions of adoring fans.

LA Law Video Clip

Each episode of LA Law began with a meeting in which the current and new cases were discussed. In scene, the attorneys discover that their new client is Donald Duck.
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NYPD Blue: Bobby Simone

type=textThere was a particular sweetness to Jimmy Smits' role as Bobby Simone in NYPD Blue, another Steven Bochco vehicle. As a new detective partnered with the abrasive, politically incorrect, often uncouth Andy Sipowicz, his uncompromising work ethic and goodwill eventually pays off. His perseverence gains him the respect and affection of his partner and wins him the woman he loves. His death scene -- following a series of shows in which his health deteriorates due to a mysterious illness -- had fans sobbing in distress.

NYPD Blue: Extended Opening Credits

This extended opening credits sequence has just a glimpse of Jimmy Smits but it's the only one I could locate. The credits still pack a punch, though and bring back wonderful memories of the show.
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Poll: Favorite Smits Series

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West Wing: Matthew Vincente Santos

NBC UniversalIn the final seasons of the popular West Wing series, Jimmy Smits takes on the role of Senator Matthew Santos who runs for president of the United States. He is the underdog -- mostly unknown, underfunded, a minority candidate against several more influential competitors. Of course, sincerity, charisma, eloquence, and brilliance carry the day, and this landmark (and somewhat prescient) series ends with him taking the oath of office -- and becoming the country's first minority President.

The West Wing Video Clip

Matt Santos makes his final speech at the DNC -- turning the tables on those who have advised him to withdraw from the race, and turning the tide of the primary election.
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Cane: Alex Vega

type=textCane is the saga of a Cuban-American sugar cane and rum dynasty; Smits plays the heir to the family empire -- although he is not the scion, a fact that powers the central conflicts. In this show he is sometimes ruthless, often autocratic, a little vulnerable, and always, always, always sexy.

Cane Video Clip

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Dexter: Miguel Prado

In a 10-episode arc on .Dexter, Jimmy Smits plays District Attorney Miguel Prado, opposite Michael C. Hall's Dexter. Dexter's job as a blood spatter expert in the police department conceals his darker activities as a serial killer. The two form an uneasy alliance that comes to an abrupt end. I've never seen this show, but here is a clip that pretty much encapsulates the arc. This contains a spoiler, so if you haven't seen the show but plan to watch it, perhaps you shouldn't watch this video.
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Outlaw: Cyrus Garza

type=textIn his new series, Outlaw, Smits again returns to the legal profession. He plays former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Cyrus Garza, who resigns his position on the bench to start his own legal practice. According to pre-show publicity, Garza is a more flawed and complicated character than some of Smits' earlier ones. He is a moralist but he is also a gambler and a womanizer.

The show's premiere is in September 2010. You can watch the full episode now.

Jimmy Smits Movie and TV DVDs

Vote for your Favorite or Add Another

My Family

My Family

Three-generational epic saga of the Sanchez family more...0 points

Old Gringo

Old Gringo

Co-starring Gregory Peck.0 points

Vital Signs

Vital Signs

Jimmy Smits heads an all-star cast in this fast-pa more...0 points

Fires Within

Fires Within

From the director of My Brilliant Career comes thi more...0 points

Price of Glory

Price of Glory

Jimmy Smits (NYPD Blue) stars as a once-promising middleweight more...0 points

Switch

Switch

A notorious ladies' man gets his comeuppance when more...0 points

The Jane Austen Book Club

The Jane Austen Book Club

An all star cast joins acclaimed director/writer R more...0 points

NYPD Blue - The Complete Fourth Season

NYPD Blue - The Complete Fourth Season

In the fourth season of this award-winning show, t more...0 points

NYPD Blue - The Complete Third Season

NYPD Blue - The Complete Third Season

Relive all the passion, brotherhood, joy, and heartbreak more...0 points

NYPD Blue: Season 2

NYPD Blue: Season 2

After the departure of David Caruso from NYPD Blue, more...0 points

Talk About Jimmy Smits

  • Tipi Dec 13, 2010 @ 6:56 pm | delete
    Glad to see Jimmy revive in Outlaw after being killed off in Dexter, I didn't like not liking him! Another great fan page!
  • BigGirlBlue Nov 16, 2010 @ 10:09 pm | delete
    I'm really enjoying Outlaw. It's a good cast. I really hope the show doesn't get canceled.
  • Susan52 Oct 11, 2010 @ 6:32 pm | delete
    Now I know where I remembered Jimmy Smits from, both Dexter and Cane. Hard to forget that gorgeous face!
  • kiwisoutback Oct 1, 2010 @ 9:43 am | delete
    I liked the Miguel Prado story arc on Dexter, but it wasn't the best of the series. I think he's a good actor though!
  • WindyWinters Sep 23, 2010 @ 3:14 pm | delete
    I'm a big fan of Jimmy Smits. Can't wait to see him in his new series. Wow! Can't believe LA Law was in the 80s. ~Squid Greeter
  • corinnemwestphal Sep 20, 2010 @ 9:24 am | delete
    He's like a fine, fine wine! :-). I had no idea he was doing so much in social good (though I'm not surprised). Now I have even more reason to like him!
  • BevsPaper Sep 20, 2010 @ 8:14 am | delete
    Love Jimmy Smits and look forward to his newest series Outlaw. Great walk down memory lane with this sexy man! Blessed!

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Classic TV Series 

with Jimmy Smits

The West Wing: The Complete Series Collection

Amazon Price: $94.99 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

Fascinating, classic TV series. Superb cast giving stellar performances.

NYPD Blue 

with Jimmy Smits

NYPD Blue: Season 2

Amazon Price: $10.29 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

Jimmy Smits was introduced to the NYPD Blue tv series at the beginning of its second season. Catch it from the beginning. You'll want the rest of the seasons.