Quotes from Jimmy Smits

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.

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

I've been in California for about 15 years now. You're always in your car and insulated. I miss New York so much.

I'm usually very analytical when I'm prepping stuff: real into the head thing.

I started out in the theater, and my background is classical. I'd love to be in a film version of a Shakespeare play.

When I sit down and sign up for something, I vet where the people are coming from.

I get my jolt of energy in New York. I get mi familia vibe in New York.

I used to wear sneakers with those nice suits because I wanted Victor Sifuentes to have a bounce in the courtroom.

I don't feel I have to acknowledge how I'm doing by an award.

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.

I do want to be involved in quality projects that say something positive about the Latino community.

It's a lot of a workload doing an hour dramatic show. It's just incredible what little time off you get.

I almost feel like sometimes when I'm on location, you miss your home and your family and all that stuff, but it keeps you focused on the work.