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Jimmy Smits Quotes

Powerful Jimmy Smits for Daily Growth

About Jimmy Smits

Jimmy Smits is an acclaimed American actor, producer, and politician, renowned for his versatile performances in film, television, and theater. Born on January 9, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York, to Puerto Rican parents, Smits spent his formative years in the diverse neighborhoods of the Bronx before moving to San Juan, Puerto Rico at age 10. This multicultural upbringing significantly influenced his career, as he would later portray characters from various ethnic backgrounds with great authenticity. Smits returned to New York City at 16 and attended the High School of Performing Arts. He went on to study drama at Hofstra University, where he developed a passion for acting and honed his skills under the tutelage of renowned acting coach Wynn Handman. His professional acting career began in the early 80s, with appearances on soap operas such as "One Life to Live" and "Guiding Light." Smits' breakthrough role came in 1984 when he was cast as Victor Sifuentes in the long-running drama series, "Dallas." However, his most iconic television role is undoubtedly Bobby Ewing on the spin-off series, "Knots Landing" (1979–1993). Smits' portrayal of complex characters has continued to captivate audiences throughout his career. He garnered critical acclaim for his roles in "NYPD Blue" as Detective Bobby Simone and, more recently, as Bail Organa in the "Star Wars" franchise. In addition to acting, Smits is also an accomplished producer, with credits including the Emmy Award-winning PBS series, "American Family: Journey of Dreams." Politically active, he served as a member of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts Board of Directors and was appointed by President Bill Clinton as a cultural ambassador to the Dominican Republic. Throughout his illustrious career, Jimmy Smits has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to bringing diverse characters to life on screen while advocating for social justice and promoting cultural understanding.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I think we all have a responsibility to take care of this planet that sustains us."

This quote emphasizes the shared obligation of every individual towards the preservation of our planet, Earth. It suggests that as inhabitants of Earth, we depend on it for survival, and thus, we should actively participate in taking care of it to ensure its longevity. This caring attitude involves responsible actions such as reducing waste, conserving resources, promoting sustainability, and fighting climate change, among others.

"You can't control what people think. All you can do is live your life the way you want to and hope they like it."

This quote emphasizes personal autonomy and self-acceptance, suggesting that individuals should focus on living their lives according to their desires and values, rather than conforming to others' expectations or opinions. The speaker suggests that we cannot control the thoughts and judgments of others, but can only hope they appreciate our choices. It encourages people to embrace authenticity, individualism, and self-determination in life.

"Success isn't measured by money or power or social rank. Success is living in a manner consistent with your values."

This quote emphasizes that true success lies not in material possessions, status, or wealth, but rather in living a life that aligns with one's personal values. In other words, the measure of a person's success is determined by their adherence to what they believe in and stand for, as opposed to external achievements. This perspective suggests that authenticity, integrity, and self-awareness are key components of a successful life.

"I've always been interested in the journey of characters. How do people change? How does life affect them?"

This quote suggests that actor Jimmy Smits is fascinated by exploring the transformative journeys of characters in storytelling, and more broadly, understanding how individuals evolve and are shaped by their experiences throughout life. It's a profound reflection on human growth, resilience, and adaptability as they navigate through various circumstances and challenges.

"As an actor, it's important for me to stay open and present to all that's happening on set, or off."

This quote by Jimmy Smits emphasizes the importance of being attentive, receptive, and mindful both during work (on set) and personal time (off set). It suggests that as an actor, maintaining a state of openness and presence enhances one's ability to fully engage with their environment, thus leading to better performances and overall well-being.

My career aspirations as an actor have always been driven foremost by the creative desire to be versatile.

- Jimmy Smits

Career, Actor, Always, Versatile

Of course you draw from yourself, but the artistic nourishment you want to get is be versatile, do something different, and I think I got a chance to do that in a lot of different ways.

- Jimmy Smits

Chance, Think, I Think, Versatile

An actor tries to be versatile, to immerse himself in a different culture.

- Jimmy Smits

Actor, Himself, Tries, Versatile

When you're doing 22 shows on network television, the writers are going on vapors towards the end and, as an actor, you're just trashed by the end.

- Jimmy Smits

Doing, Television, Going, Network Television

I was in Puerto Rico going to school, and it was very jarring for me. 'Traumatic' is the only way that I can say it. Kids were making fun of me: 'Oh, you're a Yankee.' And I acted out a lot. A lot. But looking back, and through a little bit of therapy, everything I am has to do with that time.

- Jimmy Smits

Looking Back, Through, Very, Traumatic

My comfort zone has always been in an ensemble-type atmosphere.

- Jimmy Smits

Always, Been, Atmosphere, Comfort Zone

Unfortunately, considering that we Latinos are really big for movie companies when they have blockbuster releases or new cable shows, when it comes to the dynamic of supporting our own product, it leaves much to be desired.

- Jimmy Smits

New, Product, Big, Considering

I've been very lucky to work on a wide variety of projects, including two long-run and top-10 dramatic television shows. That is why it is so important to offer a helping hand to the next generation of young Latinos coming up behind me.

- Jimmy Smits

Lucky, Next, Very, Latinos

When I grew up, we went to Coney Island and Central Park. We'd find our way to the water and watch the fireworks.

- Jimmy Smits

Island, Grew, Our, Fireworks

I grew up in New York City, and I've got wonderful memories of the Fourth of July fireworks.

- Jimmy Smits

City, New, New York City, Fireworks

When we are out there selling a new picture, when did it become part of the deal that you have to sell the family? To use the juicy part of your life to get attention? I'm not blaming the reporters. It's the system.

- Jimmy Smits

New, Deal, Reporters, Blaming

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.

- Jimmy Smits

Student, Hours, Buttons, 18th Century

The Latino population has become such a presence. We are part of the American tapestry in a very profound way, in every area you can think of, and are very significant in popular culture.

- Jimmy Smits

Think, Very, Area, Popular Culture

The great thing about working in cable is that, since the season is truncated - we only do 12 shows - the writers are more at ease in terms of mapping out the trajectory of the story and the characters.

- Jimmy Smits

More, Ease, Mapping, Trajectory

People become actors because they want to hide, and it's not easy to talk about myself. I accept that a certain responsibility goes with being an actor in the public eye, but I haven't found a comfortable way to deal with it.

- Jimmy Smits

Deal, Found, About, Public Eye

There are no right and wrong ways to work in this business, but there are some basic common-sense practices. Work very, very hard and always be prepared; never give up; and once you get the job, give them more than they ever expected: - Shine!

- Jimmy Smits

Some, Prepared, Very, Practices

You have to find what makes you stable in the storm. Then, no matter what's happening round you, no matter what the hype or the publicity, you can still manage to make leaps in your work as an artist.

- Jimmy Smits

Storm, Artist, Still, Hype

With the advent of cable and such, you guys are calling it the golden age of TV in terms of the writing and stuff. But it's like different branches of a big tree that TV has become.

- Jimmy Smits

Big, Like, TV, Golden Age

I worked on a show called 'West Wing' before. I didn't work with Aaron Sorkin, but he created the show and set the tenor of the show, which was you follow the words of the script perfectly because there's a dramaturgical thing behind it.

- Jimmy Smits

Behind, Before, Perfectly, West Wing

'West Wing' was a show about politics.

- Jimmy Smits

Politics, West, Show, West Wing

My central strength as an actor is the fact that I'm 6 foot 3. A certain power emanates from my size, juxtaposed with the fact that I try to find an element of sensitivity in every character I play. People enjoy seeing that because it goes against what we're led to expect as far as the way men are supposed to be - macho and all that.

- Jimmy Smits

Strength, Play, Fact, Macho

My life hasn't changed that much. Sure, people recognize me, and airports can get tough, but the people who stop me tend to be real nice.

- Jimmy Smits

My Life, Real, Sure, Changed

That 'who's the sexiest' business is a crock that the media cooked up to sell magazines, so while I say thank you very much, I don't put much stock in it.

- Jimmy Smits

Business, Very, Cooked, Sexiest

Variety is the thing for me to be able to work in theater and be involved in more films and TV movies that say something.

- Jimmy Smits

Work, TV, Films, TV Movies

What happens to George Clooney and Bruce Willis is great, but I can't gauge my career by anyone else's.

- Jimmy Smits

Great, Career, Gauge, None

I feel a responsibility to try and give back. I see young people out there who are trained, and any way I can help them and give them an opportunity is gratifying.

- Jimmy Smits

Young, Give, Trained, Gratifying

Every actor has to deal with what's on his plate, and I try to deal with doing the best work possible with the most challenging scripts. I don't base it on whether it's a feature film or a TV-movie or cable.

- Jimmy Smits

Doing, Deal, Plate, Scripts

Doing a truncated series is like doing a long movie, which allows for a certain artistic freedom. After just 12 episodes, you can take a breather and do other things for your career.

- Jimmy Smits

Doing, Other, Which, Episodes

There's show business, and the business is sometimes in capital letters. You just have to give it your best shot when up at bat.

- Jimmy Smits

Business, Give, Capital, Letters

I had opportunities to stay on shows for long periods of time, and maybe financially that would have been good, but I feel good about trying to keep doing things that are a little bit different than what I've done.

- Jimmy Smits

Doing, Been, Long Periods, Financially

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