Born July 9, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York. Smits was the eldest of three children born to … See more

In 1986, Smits landed his first big-screen role as a drug dealer in Running Scared. Later that year, he found his niche in television when he was signed to play attorney Vi… See more

Later that year, the producers of the gritty police drama NYPD Blue offered Smits the series' lead role (after David Caruso's departure). Smits accepted the part, which reunited hi… See more

In 1981, Smits married his high school sweetheart, Barbara. The couple had two children together before they divorced in 1987. He lives with long-time companion and fellow … See more