Jimmy Smits
Jimmy Smits is an American actor best known for his television roles in *L.A.
Jimmy Smits is an American actor best known for his television roles in *L.A. Law*, *NYPD Blue*, and *The West Wing*, as well as for playing Bail Organa in the *Star Wars* franchise. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he has had a long career in television, film, and stage. He is also recognized for his work supporting Latino representation in entertainment, and is known to Canadian audiences through long-running American television series and the globally popular *Star Wars* franchise.
Early life and background
Jimmy Smits was born on July 9, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York. Sources describe him as of Puerto Rican heritage and note his family background in New York.
Television career
Smits became widely known for television roles that often placed him in legal or political settings, including *L.A. Law*, *NYPD Blue*, and *The West Wing*. He later appeared in shows such as *Dexter*, *Sons of Anarchy*, and *Bluff City Law*.
Film and franchise work
In film and franchise work, Smits is especially associated with his recurring role as Bail Organa in the *Star Wars* series. He also appeared in films including *In the Heights*.
Awards and recognition
Smits received major recognition for his television work, including a Primetime Emmy Award for *L.A. Law* and a Golden Globe Award for *NYPD Blue*. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021.
Advocacy and community work
Beyond acting, Smits has been involved in advocacy for Latino representation in the arts and media, including co-founding the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts.
Key facts
- Jimmy Smits was born on July 9, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York.
- He is best known for playing Victor Sifuentes in *L.A. Law*, Bobby Simone in *NYPD Blue*, and Matt Santos in *The West Wing*.
- He portrayed Bail Organa in the *Star Wars* franchise.
- He won a Primetime Emmy Award for *L.A. Law* and a Golden Globe Award for *NYPD Blue*.
- He co-founded the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts to support Latino representation in entertainment and media.
Jimmy Smits is known to Canadian audiences through long-running American television series and the globally popular *Star Wars* franchise.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Jimmy Smits?
When and where was Jimmy Smits born?
What is Jimmy Smits best known for?
What awards has Jimmy Smits won?
Has Jimmy Smits worked beyond acting?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_SmitsSupports: Birth name, birth date, nationality, and major television and Star Wars roles.
- Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actor/jimmy-smitsSupports: Birthplace, early fame, and Emmy recognition for L.A. Law.
- Television Academy — https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/jimmy-smitsSupports: Birth date and birthplace, and career overview.
- Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/smits-jimmy-1955-actorSupports: Career significance of L.A. Law and NYPD Blue.
- TMDb — https://www.themoviedb.org/person/33181-jimmy-smits?language=en-USSupports: Best-known roles including L.A. Law, NYPD Blue, The West Wing, and Star Wars.
- National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts — https://www.hispanicarts.org/jimmy-bioSupports: Major roles, co-founding of NHFA, and later work.
- TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/jimmy-smits/bio/3000189061/Supports: Birth name, birthplace, and profession.
- Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jimmy_smitsSupports: Birth date, birthplace, and overview of screen career.