Celebrity Info
Jimmy Smits has always had a knack for commanding attention, even when the spotlight didn’t quite shine as brightly on him in feature films. Despite his efforts to break into the world of cinema with limited success, it was on television where Jimmy Smits truly found his stride—particularly in roles tied to the justice system. It was on Stephen Bochco’s acclaimed legal drama L.A. Law (NBC, 1986–1994) that Jimmy Smits first captured the public’s imagination, portraying a sharp yet tightly wound attorney who brought both intensity and intelligence to the screen. That role put Jimmy Smits on the map, establishing him as a serious talent.
After departing the show before its final season, Jimmy Smits faced a bit of a dry spell—tackling a string of forgettable big-screen projects and some modest made-for-TV movies that didn’t quite reignite his earlier momentum. But television, it seemed, had a way of calling Jimmy Smits back. He returned with quiet strength as a thoughtful detective on the trailblazing police series NYPD Blue (ABC, 1993–2005), further cementing his reputation for playing grounded, authoritative figures navigating complex moral terrain.
Once again, Jimmy Smits exited before the series concluded, and once again, he drifted through a period of less memorable film roles. Still, there were highlights—like his appearances in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)—where Jimmy Smits brought dignity to his supporting part, even within the sprawling galactic saga.
But it was back on the small screen where Jimmy Smits truly shone. He delivered a powerful performance as a principled legislator who rises to the presidency on The West Wing (NBC, 1999–2006), earning widespread respect. Then came an Emmy-nominated turn on Dexter (Showtime, 2006–13), where Jimmy Smits played an assistant district attorney hiding a dark, violent secret—proving his range once more. Later, on Sons of Anarchy (FX, 2008–14), Jimmy Smits gave a widely praised portrayal of a reformed gang leader trying to navigate peace in a world built on chaos.
Time and again, whether as lawyers, cops, politicians, or men wrestling with their pasts, Jimmy Smits proved that his natural home was on television. With each role, Jimmy Smits reinforced what fans and critics alike have come to appreciate: that his presence, gravitas, and nuanced performances are best experienced week after week, where the character—and the man, Jimmy Smits—can unfold with depth and purpose.
Jimmy Smits has appeared in a variety of films throughout his career, but one of his standout performances came in the 2017 movie Who We Are Now, which is considered his highest-rated film to date. On the other hand, some of his work hasn’t been as well received, with Bless the Child from the year 2000 standing out as his lowest-rated movie. While opinions on films can vary, these two titles represent the range of Jimmy Smits’s filmography in terms of audience and critical reception.
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