Smits, Jimmy (1955– )

US film and television actor. He is best known for his television work, bringing a powerful onscreen presence to his roles as Victor Silfuentes in LA Law (1986–91) and, most notably, Bobby Simone in NYPD Blue (1994–98). Smits gave a powerful performance as Jimmy Sanchez in Gregory Nava's Mi Familia/My Family (1995). A spokesperson for the Hispanic community in the USA, Smits is closely involved in promoting the work of Latin American film-makers.

Smits was born in New York to a Puerto Rican mother and Surinamese father. An accomplished athlete, he discovered acting as a young man, turning to the profession on a full-time basis after gaining a degree in education. Smits went on to earn an additional degree in theatre studies from Cornell University and acted in the New York Shakespeare festival, before landing a role in the pilot episode for Miami Vice.

Other film credits include Running Scared (1986) and Old Gringo (1989).