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Entertainment • Actor

David Caruso

David Caruso is an American retired actor and producer, best known for playing Detective John Kelly on *NYPD Blue* and Lieutenant Horatio Caine on *CSI: Miami*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

David Caruso is an American retired actor and producer, best known for playing Detective John Kelly on *NYPD Blue* and Lieutenant Horatio Caine on *CSI: Miami*. He was active in film and television from the mid-1970s to 2012.

Early life

Caruso was born in Queens, New York, and is identified in biographical sources as American. Sources also describe him by his full name, David Stephen Caruso.

Acting career

He became widely known for television roles in *NYPD Blue* and later *CSI: Miami*, with the latter defining much of his public profile. Film credits listed in source material include *An Officer and a Gentleman*, *First Blood*, *Twins*, *Kiss of Death*, and *Proof of Life*.

Awards and recognition

Caruso won a Golden Globe for *NYPD Blue* and received additional award recognition in industry listings. IMDb also lists a Primetime Emmy nomination among his credits.

Retirement

Biographical sources indicate that Caruso stopped acting after 2012, following the end of *CSI: Miami*.

Key facts

  • He is best known for two television police roles: John Kelly and Horatio Caine.
  • He was born David Stephen Caruso on January 7, 1956, in Queens, New York.
  • His screen career began in the 1970s and he retired from acting in 2012.
  • He also worked as a television producer.
  • He received a Golden Globe for his work on *NYPD Blue*.

Frequently asked questions

Who is David Caruso?
David Caruso is an American retired actor and producer known mainly for *NYPD Blue* and *CSI: Miami*.
What is David Caruso best known for?
He is best known for Detective John Kelly on *NYPD Blue* and Lieutenant Horatio Caine on *CSI: Miami*.
When was David Caruso born?
He was born on January 7, 1956.
Where was David Caruso born?
He was born in Queens, New York, U.S.
Did David Caruso win major awards?
Yes. Sources report that he won a Golden Globe for his work on *NYPD Blue*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Caruso
    Supports: Birth date and place, full name, occupations, years active, and best-known roles.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Caruso
    Supports: American actor identification, birth details, and note that he was known for police roles, especially *CSI: Miami*.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000325/
    Supports: Born date and award/nomination summary.
  4. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/david-caruso/bio/3030173351/
    Supports: Actor and producer role, career notes, and Golden Globe win.
  5. All American Speakers — https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/speakers/2109/David-Caruso
    Supports: Career chronology including early TV work and departure from *NYPD Blue*.