David Caruso: Renowned Actor for Police Roles
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David Caruso, an American actor and producer born in 1956, is best known for his iconic roles as Detective John Kelly on "NYPD Blue" and Lieutenant Horatio Caine on "CSI: Miami," which solidified his status as a television star and earned him cult fame for his distinctive acting style and memorable one-liners.
Early Life in Queens, New York
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David Caruso's early life laid the foundation for his future career as an actor known for portraying police officers. Born on January 7, 1956, in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, Caruso was raised primarily by his mother, Joan, a librarian, after his father left the family when David was just two years old.
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Growing up in a Catholic household, he attended Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic School and later Archbishop Molloy High School.1
As a teenager, Caruso worked as a cinema usher, where he developed a passion for film and found his role models in classic actors like Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, and Edward G. Robinson.1
This early exposure to cinema would later influence his acting style and career choices, particularly in his iconic roles as Detective John Kelly in "NYPD Blue" and Lieutenant Horatio Caine in "CSI: Miami."2 sources
NYPD Blue Breakthrough
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David Caruso's breakthrough came in 1993 when he landed the role of Detective John Kelly on the critically acclaimed series "NYPD Blue." This portrayal earned him a Golden Globe Award and catapulted him to stardom.
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However, his decision to leave the show after just one season to pursue a film career led to a series of setbacks. Caruso's true career resurgence came in 2002 when he took on the role of Lieutenant Horatio Caine in "CSI: Miami," a character that would define his career for the next decade.2
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This role not only revitalized his acting career but also made him one of the highest-paid dramatic actors on television, showcasing his ability to portray compelling law enforcement characters.3 sources
David Caruso (Photos)
David Caruso's Filmography
David Caruso's acting career spans several decades, encompassing both film and television roles. Here's a concise overview of his most notable performances:
Caruso's career highlights include his breakout role in "NYPD Blue" and his long-running portrayal of Lieutenant Horatio Caine in "CSI: Miami," which solidified his status as a television icon.
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | An Officer and a Gentleman | Topper Daniels | Film |
| 1982 | First Blood | Deputy Mitch | Film |
| 1988 | Twins | Al Greco | Film |
| 1993-1994 | NYPD Blue | Detective John Kelly | TV Series |
| 1995 | Kiss of Death | Jimmy Kilmartin | Film |
| 1995 | Jade | David Corelli | Film |
| 2000 | Proof of Life | Dino | Film |
| 2002-2012 | CSI: Miami | Lieutenant Horatio Caine | TV Series |
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David Caruso's Awards and Honors
David Caruso's career has been marked by several award nominations and wins, particularly for his role as Detective John Kelly in "NYPD Blue." Here's a summary of his most significant accolades:
Despite the controversy surrounding his departure from "NYPD Blue," Caruso's performance as Detective John Kelly earned him critical acclaim and recognition from his peers in the television industry.
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Golden Globe | Best Actor in a Drama Series | NYPD Blue | Won 1 2 |
| 1994 | Primetime Emmy | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | NYPD Blue | Nominated 3 2 |
| 1994 | Viewers for Quality Television | Best Actor in a Quality Drama Series | NYPD Blue | Nominated 2 |
| 2001 | Blockbuster Entertainment Award | Favorite Supporting Actor - Suspense | Proof of Life | Nominated 4 2 |
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David Caruso's Interviews (Videos)
David Caruso's Personal Life
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David Caruso's personal life has been as eventful as his on-screen career. The actor has been married three times, first to Cheri Maugans from 1979 to 1984, then to actress Rachel Ticotin from 1984 to 1987, with whom he has a daughter named Greta.
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Caruso later had two children, Marquez and Paloma, with his former girlfriend Liza Marquez. In 2009, Marquez filed a lawsuit against Caruso for fraud, breach of settlement agreement, and emotional distress.1
Despite his tumultuous relationships, Caruso has maintained a relatively low profile since retiring from acting after "CSI: Miami" ended in 2012. He has since focused on his art business and co-owns a clothing store called Steam on Sunset in South Miami.2
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Closing Thoughts on David Caruso
David Caruso's iconic roles as a police officer in "NYPD Blue" and as Horatio Caine in "CSI: Miami" cemented his status as a television icon, with his performances drawing inspiration from classic actors like Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, and Edward G. Robinson. Despite personal challenges, including divorces from Cheri Maugans and Rachel Ticotin, and legal disputes with former partner Liza Marquez, Caruso's professional life saw him command impressive salaries and critical acclaim. His career trajectory took him from the streets of New York to the beaches of Miami, with stops in Sherman Oaks and the San Fernando Valley along the way. While Caruso's departure from "NYPD Blue" initially led to emotional distress and career setbacks, his resilience allowed him to make a triumphant return to television. Today, having stepped back from the limelight, Caruso's legacy as an actor who brought depth and charisma to his roles endures, particularly in the United States where his portrayal of complex law enforcement characters left an indelible mark on popular culture.
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Related
How did David Caruso's portrayal of Horatio Caine influence the success of "CSI: Miami"
What were the challenges David Caruso faced while playing Detective John Kelly on "NYPD Blue"
How did David Caruso's early life in Forest Hills shape his acting style
What impact did David Caruso's role models like Humphrey Bogart and James Cagney have on his acting career
How did David Caruso's salary negotiations affect his career trajectory
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