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Jimmy Smits

Despite trying to stake his claim in features films without much success, actor Jimmy Smits earned his greatest acclaim on the small screen in roles that were connected by their proximity to the law. Smits emerged into the public consciousness as a sharp, but uptight attorney on Stephen Bochco's award-winning legal drama, "L.A. Law" (NBC, 1986-1994). After leaving the show before its run ended, he languished in a series of easily dismissed features and slightly better made-for-television movies before returning to television as an understated detective on the groundbreaking cop drama, "NYPD Blue" (ABC, 1993-2005). Once again, Smits left the show prior to its time running out and again found himself taking on largely forgettable films, though he did manage a small recurring part in "Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones" (2002) and "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith" (2005). Returning to regular series glory, he gave a commanding performance as a legislator-turned-president on "The West Wing" (NBC, 1999-2006), an Emmy-nominated turn as an assistant district attorney with a murderous dark side on "Dexter" (Showtime, 2006-13),and a widely praised performance as a semi-reformed gang leader on "Sons of Anarchy" (FX, 2008-14), all of which confirmed that the distinguished performer was best served in authoritative roles on the small screen.