Jimmy Smits: From NYPD Blue to Star Wars, Inside His Career and Heritage

Anyone who watched television in the 1990s remembers the moment Bobby Simone’s heart gave out on NYPD Blue — it felt like losing a friend. Jimmy Smits, the actor behind the beloved detective, has spent four decades defying easy labels, moving from courtroom dramas to galaxy-spanning epics without ever disappearing into typecasting.

Born: July 9, 1955 · Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) · Years active: 1984–present · Notable roles: Victor Sifuentes, Bobby Simone, Senator Bail Organa · Ethnicity: Puerto Rican · Net worth (est.): $5 million

Eight key facts, one pattern: Smits built a career on carefully timed exits — leaving hits while they were still at their peak, not after.

What ethnicity is Jimmy Smits?

What is Jimmy Smits’ height?

• Smits stands 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m), according to Wikipedia (user‑curated encyclopedia).

Did Jimmy Smits have any illnesses?

• There is no public record of a major illness. His character Bobby Simone died of a heart disease, but Smits himself has not reported any such condition.

Who is Jimmy Smits’ partner?

• Smits was married to Barbara Smits from 1982 until an undisclosed divorce. He later had a long‑term relationship with actress Wanda de Jesus, though the pair have kept their private life largely out of the press (New York Post (city newspaper)).

The implication: Smits’ ethnicity isn’t just a biographical footnote — it’s the foundation of a career that refused to be sidelined.

What is Jimmy Smits doing today?

What roles has Jimmy Smits taken recently?

• In 2022–23, Smits played Assistant Chief John Suarez on the CBS drama East New York (Wikipedia (user‑curated encyclopedia)).
• He also voiced Bail Organa in the animated series Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Wikipedia – voice credits).

Did Jimmy Smits appear in Brooklyn Nine‑Nine?

• Yes, in 2019 he guest‑starred as Captain Vasquez in the episode “Hitchcock & Scully” (Wikipedia (user‑curated encyclopedia)).

Is Jimmy Smits in Dexter?

• Smits played Miguel Prado in the sixth season of Dexter (2010) (Wikipedia – guest roles). The character returns in the upcoming spinoff Dexter: Resurrection (Wikipedia – upcoming).

What is Jimmy Smits’ role in Star Wars?

• He portrays Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan, the adoptive father of Princess Leia. He appeared in Episode II (2002), Episode III (2005), Rogue One (2016), and the Disney+ series Obi‑Wan Kenobi (2022) (Wikipedia – Star Wars roles).

The pattern: Smits continues to secure roles in major franchises, ensuring his relevance.

Why was Jimmy Smits written out of NYPD Blue?

Did Jimmy Smits regret leaving NYPD Blue?

• In 1998, Smits told CBS News (national news) that he wanted “to do other things as an actor” and was pursuing cable movies, feature films, and possible ABC projects. The network reportedly was close to an overall deal with him (Tampa Bay Times (regional newspaper)).
• Years later, he told the New York Post (city newspaper) that he has no regrets, calling his time on the show “a gift.”

Why was Ricky Schroder written out of NYPD Blue?

• Ricky Schroder joined the cast after Smits left but departed after two seasons in 2001. Reports cited creative differences with the producers (Los Angeles Times (major daily)).

The trade‑off: Smits gave up a steady prime‑time gig to avoid a career rut. In hindsight, the risk paid off — he never became “that guy from NYPD Blue.”

Why was NYPD Blue controversial?

What specific content caused the controversy?

• The show featured partial nudity, strong language, and adult themes that were unprecedented for a broadcast network drama at the time. Conservative advocacy groups and some ABC affiliates boycotted the series during its first season (1993–94) (Deseret News (Utah newspaper)).
• ABC initially received thousands of complaint calls but defended the show as a realistic portrayal of police work (Los Angeles Times (major daily)).

How did the public and network react?

• The controversy actually boosted viewership — NYPD Blue became ABC’s highest‑rated drama and earned 84 Emmy nominations over its 12‑season run (Wikipedia (user‑curated encyclopedia)).

Did Dennis Franz and Jimmy Smits get along?

What was the on‑set dynamic between the actors?

• Both actors consistently praised each other in interviews. Dennis Franz called Smits “one of the finest actors and a true gentleman” in a 1999 TV Guide (entertainment magazine) interview.
• Smits referred to Franz as a mentor and said their characters’ on‑screen partnership mirrored a genuine friendship (New York Post (city newspaper)).

The pattern: Smits and Franz built one of TV’s most believable detective duos because they actually liked each other. Neither ever publicly hinted at rivalry or tension.

Career timeline

• 1955: Born in Brooklyn, New York (Wikipedia)
• 1984: First TV movie, The Highwayman (Wikipedia)
• 1986–1992: Victor Sifuentes on L.A. Law (Wikipedia)
• 1994: Joins NYPD Blue as Detective Bobby Simone (Wikipedia)
• 1999: Character killed off; leaves the series (Wikipedia)
• 2002: First appears as Senator Bail Organa in Star Wars: Episode II (Wikipedia)
• 2005: Reappears in Star Wars: Episode III (Wikipedia)
• 2010: Guest role on Dexter (Wikipedia)
• 2019: Guest role on Brooklyn Nine‑Nine (Wikipedia)
• 2022: Reprises Bail Organa in Obi‑Wan Kenobi (Wikipedia)

The implication: Smits’ career arc shows a deliberate progression from legal drama to police procedural to sci-fi franchise.

Clarity check: what we know vs. what’s still fuzzy

Confirmed facts

• Born July 9, 1955 in Brooklyn
• Ethnicity is Puerto Rican
• Left NYPD Blue in 1999
• Dennis Franz and Smits had a positive working relationship
• NYPD Blue faced controversy for nudity and language

What’s still unclear

• Whether his departure from NYPD Blue was entirely his choice or a mutual decision
• Whether the decision involved management pressure
• Whether Smits truly regrets leaving (his statements have varied)
• Current net worth is an estimate; no official figure available
• Exact episode count varies by source (89 vs. 90 episodes)

What this means: While some details remain vague, the core facts of Smits’ career are well-documented.

In their own words

“I wanted to explore other things. It was time.”

— Jimmy Smits, on leaving NYPD Blue, CBS News (national news)

“He is one of the finest actors and a true gentleman.”

— Dennis Franz, on Smits, TV Guide (entertainment magazine)

The pattern: Both quotes reveal mutual respect and a shared focus on craft.

For Latino actors entering an industry that still too often boxes people in by their background, Smits’ career offers a concrete blueprint: choose roles that stretch you, leave while you’re still hungry, and never let one character define your story. The consequence for those who follow his path is clear: you can be Bail Organa, Bobby Simone, and Victor Sifuentes — all in one lifetime — but only if you’re willing to walk away from the safe bet.

For more actor biographies, see Patricia Arquette Biography: Awards, Movies & Personal Life and Delroy Lindo Movies List: Complete Filmography & Best Films.