Jimmy Smits Biography: Jimmy L. Smits born July 9, 1955 is an American actor widely recognized for his roles on television dramas. He gained prominence as attorney Victor Sifuentes on L.A. Law, Detective Bobby Simone on NYPD Blue, and Congressman Matt Santos on The West Wing. His film credits include Switch (1991), My Family (1995), The Jane Austen Book Club (2007), and In the Heights (2021). Smits also portrayed Bail Organa in the Star Wars franchise and ADA Miguel Prado on Dexter. From 2012 to 2014, he starred as Nero Padilla in Sons of Anarchy and later played Elijah Strait in the NBC legal drama Bluff City Law.
Jimmy Smits Biography
Jimmy L. Smits is an American actor best known for his roles in several acclaimed television dramas. He gained recognition as attorney Victor Sifuentes on the legal series L.A. Law (1980s–1990s), NYPD Detective Bobby Simone on the police drama NYPD Blue (1990s–2000s), and Matt Santos on the political series The West Wing. His film credits include Switch (1991), My Family (1995), and his portrayal of ADA Miguel Prado in Dexter. Smits also appeared as Bail Organa in the Star Wars franchise. From 2012 to 2014, he was a main cast member on Sons of Anarchy, playing Nero Padilla.
Jimmy Smits Biography Details
| Born |
Jimmy L. Smits
July 9, 1955 New York City, U.S.
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|---|---|
| Education |
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Known for |
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| Spouse |
Barbara Smits
(m. 1981; div. 1987) |
| Partner | Wanda De Jesus (1986–present) |
| Children | 2 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Jimmy Smits
Jimmy L. Smits is an American actor. He is best known for playing attorney Victor Sifuentes on the legal drama L.A. Law, NYPD Detective Bobby Simone on the police drama NYPD Blue, and Matt Santos on the political drama The West Wing. He appeared in Switch, My Family, The Jane Austen Book Club, and In the Heights.
Jimmy Smits Wiki
- Born: 9 July 1955 (age 69 years), Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Height: 1.91 m
- Spouse: Barbara Smits (m. 1980–1987)
- Children: Joaquin Smits, Taina Smits
- Parents: Cornelius Smits, Emilina Smits
- Nationality: American
Early Life and Education
Smits was born in Brooklyn, New York. His father, Cornelis Leendert Smits (1929–2015), was of Dutch heritage and originally from Paramaribo, Suriname. His mother, Emilina (née Pola; 1930–2015), was born in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico. He was raised alongside his two sisters, Yvonne and Diana, in a working-class neighborhood. At age ten, Smits moved to Puerto Rico for a few years, during which he attended a Spanish-only school. This transition was challenging for him, as he had not spoken Spanish before and described the experience as “jarring” and “traumatic.”
Raised in a strict and devout Roman Catholic household, Smits strongly identifies with his Puerto Rican heritage and visits the island regularly. During his youth, he was active in sports. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College in 1980, and went on to receive an MFA from Cornell University in 1982.
Jimmy Smits Facts
Where does Jimmy Smits live? And how much money does Jimmy Smits earn?
| Birth Date | 9-7-1955 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Roman Catholic |
| Residence | He lives together in a house in Los Angeles, California, United States. |
Jimmy Smits Net Worth 2025
Jimmy Smits is an actor who is popular for starring in the drama series L.A. Law. He has earned $25 million net worth based on his acting career. He has appeared in other dramas such as NYPD Blue and The West Wing, and also starred in films like Switch, My Family and Star Wars franchise.
| Estimated Net Worth | 25 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Product Endorsements | New York Cares |
| Colleagues | Richard Dysart, Alan Rachins & Corbin Bernsen |
| Management | United Talent Agency |
Jimmy Smits: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
Jimmy is a married man to actress Wanda De Jesus since 1986. The actor has two children named Joaquin and Taina from his previous marriage with Barbara Smits.
| Relationship status | Married (Since 1986) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Wife of Jimmy Smits | Wanda De Jesus |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | Barbara Smits |
| More info | Was previously married and divorced |
| Has any kids? | Yes, father of: Joaquin Smits & Taina Smits |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Joaquin Smits (Son)
- Taina Smits (Daughter)
- Hendrik Smits (Grandfather)
- Henriette Wilson (Grandmother)
- Cornelius Leendert Smits (Father)
- Emilina Pola (Mother)
- Diana Smits (Sister)
- Yvonne Smits (Sister)
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This charming actor originating from Brooklyn, New York, United States has a tall body & square face type.
| Hair color | Dark brown |
| Hairstyle | beachy |
| Beard or Mustache | Beard |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Height | 191 cm |
| Weight | 85 kilo |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does Jimmy Smits smoke? | Yes, on occasion |
| Does Jimmy Smits have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What is Jimmy Smits famous for besides L.A. Law and NYPD Blue?
In addition to his iconic TV roles, Jimmy Smits is known for his performances in films like Switch (1991) and My Family (1995), as well as for his role in the hit series Dexter as ADA Miguel Prado.
Did Jimmy Smits appear in Star Wars?
Yes, Jimmy Smits played the character Bail Organa in the Star Wars franchise, appearing in multiple films and expanding his presence in the sci-fi universe.
Who did Jimmy Smits play on Dexter?
Jimmy Smits portrayed Assistant District Attorney Miguel Prado during the third season of Dexter, a complex character who becomes entangled in Dexter’s dark world.
What role did Jimmy Smits have on Sons of Anarchy?
From 2012 to 2014, Smits played Nero Padilla, a key character and ally to the main cast, on the FX drama Sons of Anarchy.
Has Jimmy Smits worked on network dramas recently?
Yes, he starred as Elijah Strait in the NBC legal drama series Bluff City Law, showcasing his continued presence in major television roles.
What political role did Jimmy Smits play on television?
Smits portrayed Congressman Matt Santos, who later becomes President, on the acclaimed political drama The West Wing.