Overview

Jimmy Smits, born on July 9, 1955, is an American actor renowned for his versatile performances across television and film. He gained prominence for his roles as attorney Victor Sifuentes in ‘L.A. Law,’ Detective Bobby Simone in ‘NYPD Blue,’ and Congressman Matt Santos in ‘The West Wing.’ Smits’s portrayal of complex characters has earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Beyond his legal and political roles, Smits has appeared in films like ‘Switch’ and ‘My Family,’ and he is also known for his role as Bail Organa in the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy and ‘Rogue One.’ He starred in the NBC drama series ‘Bluff City Law’. From 2012 to 2014, he was a member of the main cast of Sons of Anarchy, in the role of Nero Padilla. Smits is also actively involved in promoting Latino representation in the arts and co-founded the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts.

What Is Jimmy Smits’ Net Worth?

Jimmy Smits, an acclaimed American actor, has cultivated a net worth of $12 million throughout his career. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his extensive work in television and film, where he has portrayed diverse roles, most notably those of lawyers, detectives, and government officials.

Jimmy Smits’ Career and Earnings

Smits’ career began with an appearance in a 1984 episode of “Miami Vice.” His breakthrough came in 1986 with “L.A. Law,” where he played a lawyer for the first five seasons. This role earned him a Primetime Emmy Award in 1990, significantly boosting his profile and, presumably, his earning potential. His portrayal of Detective Bobby Simone in “NYPD Blue,” starting in 1994, garnered critical acclaim and several awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award in 1995 and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in 1996. These accolades undoubtedly contributed to increased salary negotiations and further career opportunities.

In the early 2000s, Smits took on the role of Bail Organa in the “Star Wars” prequels. While “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” (2002) received mixed reviews, it grossed $653.8 million worldwide. He reprised the role in “Star Wars Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005), which was more favorably received and grossed $868.4 million. He again played Bail Organa in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016), which grossed over $1.056 billion, marking it as one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Although specific salary details for these roles remain private, involvement in such high-profile projects would have significantly increased his earnings.

Between his work in the Star Wars franchise and in 2010, Jimmy Smits earned $150,000 per episode for “Outlaw,” adding $1.2 million to his income for the series’ eight episodes. Following, he showcased his versatility in series such as “Dexter,” “Sons of Anarchy,” and “Bluff City Law,” each contributing to his overall financial stability. His stage performances, including those in Broadway productions such as “Anna in the Tropics” and “God of Carnage,” also supplement his income, as do his voice roles in video games like “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed” and “Gears of War 4.” While the exact compensation for these roles isn’t publicly available, they add to the diversity of his income streams.

Real Estate Investments

Public records indicate that Jimmy Smits invested in real estate, purchasing a home in Los Angeles, California, for $1.565 million in 1993. This residence features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and 4,405 square feet of living space. His real estate investment shows an understanding of wealth management beyond just acting income. It is important to note that real estate values in Los Angeles have significantly increased since 1993; therefore, this property’s current market value is likely much higher.

Early Life and Education

Jimmy Smits was born on July 9, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood with his father from Suriname and his Puerto Rican mother, Smits attended Brooklyn College, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1980. He then pursued an MFA at Cornell University. His formal education provided a solid foundation for his acting career, though it isn’t directly quantifiable in terms of net worth. It laid the groundwork for his future success.

Relationships

In 1981, Jimmy married Barbara, his high school sweetheart. They divorced in 1987 after having two children together. In 1986, Jimmy started dating actress Wanda De Jesus. They are still together, living in Los Angeles. Financial arrangements within personal relationships, such as prenuptial agreements, can impact an individual’s net worth; however, the details of these arrangements, if any, are not publicly known.

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