Jimmy Smits, the veteran actor known for his roles in "L.A. Law," "NYPD Blue," and "Sons of Anarchy," has lived in the Los Angeles area for more than four decades. Throughout his career, Smits has consistently chosen to reside on the Westside of Los Angeles, following early advice from producer Steven Bochco to stay close to the industry hubs for convenience and reliability. Over the years, Smits and his wife, actor Wanda De Jesus, have lived in neighborhoods such as West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Brentwood.
Smits, a native of New York, draws a personal connection between both cities through their waterfronts, comparing his longtime L.A. residence near the Santa Monica Pier to his former home in Brooklyn. Outside of his acting career, he prioritizes relaxation and spiritual practice, regularly attending Mass on Saturday evenings. His recreational activities typically involve the ocean, reflecting a preference for physical exercise by or near the water.
In addition to his acting pursuits, Smits is dedicated to supporting arts education. He co-founded the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The organization focuses on nurturing emerging talent in the performing arts.
Smits’ typical Sunday begins early, with a daily routine that balances work, family, and personal wellness. He starts his mornings around 6:30 a.m. by reading both the Los Angeles Times and New York Times—recently shifting the latter to digital to manage space at home. Breakfast usually follows at local spots such as the Brentwood Farmers Market or the Coast Beach Café at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, where he enjoys light fare and ocean views.
Physical activity is important to Smits, who spends part of his Sunday exercising near the water. His chosen activities include biking, walking, or jogging along the beach, often venturing toward Will Rogers State Park and making stops at landmarks like the Annenberg Community Beach House and Palisades Park.
Lunch typically consists of lighter Italian dishes at Divino in Brentwood, where he prefers pasta and salad. In the afternoon, Smits often attends theatrical performances at venues such as the Geffen Playhouse, the Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre or Mark Taper Forum, and the Latino Theater Company Center, which offers multicultural programming. These outings help him maintain a connection to his New York theater roots.
Family time also plays a critical role in Smits’ day, with frequent FaceTime conversations bridging the distance to relatives primarily based in New York. For dinner, Smits favors longstanding restaurants like Carlitos Gardel Argentine Steakhouse on Melrose Avenue, known for its wood-grilled skirt steak and gnocchi, as well as Versailles, a Cuban restaurant in Culver City that has been a personal favorite since the early stages of his L.A. career.
Evenings are generally reserved for catching up on television, including news and entertainment programs such as “60 Minutes” and “John Oliver,” alongside movies or comedy specials. Bedtime usually falls between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., rounding out a structured yet relaxed day.
