Jimmy Smits
Jimmy Smits
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
-----------------------------
Born Juan Hernandez, Jimmy Smits is commonly known by his stage name.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Jimmy Smits was born on July 9, 1955. His current status as alive indicates no date of death.
Nationality and Profession(s)
--------------------------------
Smits holds American nationality and has had a successful acting career in film, television, and theater.
Early Life and Background
-----------------------------
Born to Juan Hernandez, an attorney, and Sonia Hernandez, a nurse, Smits' early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education. He grew up in the Williamsbridge section of the Bronx in New York City with three siblings. After graduating from George Washington High School, he attended Brooklyn College before later transferring to Brooklyn's Pratt Institute.
Major Accomplishments
---------------------------
Smits' breakthrough role came when he was cast as Victor Sifuentes on L.A. Law, a critically acclaimed television series that aired from 1986 to 1994. This marked the beginning of his successful career in television, with notable roles in shows such as NYPD Blue and Cane.
Notable Works or Actions
---------------------------
One of Smits' most iconic roles is undoubtedly that of Senator Matthew Santos on the NBC drama series The West Wing, which he played from 2004 to 2006. He also appeared in the film My Family/Mi Familia, a critically acclaimed drama about the lives of six different Mexican-American families.
Impact and Legacy
-------------------------
Smits' impact on television and film cannot be overstated. His portrayal of Senator Matthew Santos on The West Wing earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, further solidifying his status as one of America's most talented actors. Smits continues to work in the entertainment industry, leaving behind a legacy that inspires aspiring actors and writers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
---------------------------------------------
Jimmy Smits is widely remembered for his impressive performances on television shows like The West Wing and L.A. Law, as well as his notable film appearances. His work has not only entertained audiences but also contributed to the representation of underrepresented groups in media, ensuring a lasting impact that transcends generations.
As an actor who has consistently delivered exceptional performances throughout his career, Jimmy Smits is widely quoted or remembered for his dedication to his craft and his commitment to using his platform to promote positive social change.
Quotes by Jimmy Smits
I wasn't a great student, but I was interested in this theater thing, and I could spend hours in the library researching why the cuffs in the 18th century had four buttons. It was my handle.
I know it affected me when I saw certain actors growing up. I had a drama teacher that would take us to see plays in New York, and it was seeing James Earl Jones and Raul Julia - I mean, this guy comes from the place my mother comes from. He's doing Shakespeare right now, and it doesn't seem to matter that he has an accent.
I always grapple with myself, from job to job, 'Is this going to make an impact in some way?'
As an actor, you think to yourself, 'I want to do good work,' but you also want the work that you do to make an impact in some way.
I am very Latino in everything I am and I do, but there's a part of me that's also something else. I'm reflective of the way this country's gonna be in the next 40 years. More multicultural is what we'll see.
I think education was the key for me, and that's what I tell kids. That base in the classics gave me something to springboard from, which I wouldn't have had if I'd come out to Los Angeles early and been guest punk of the week on 'Hill Street Blues.'