What Happened to David Stephen Caruso?
David Caruso is a retired American actor and producer, best known for his iconic roles as Detective John Kelly on 'NYPD Blue' (1993–1994) and Lieutenant Horatio Caine on 'CSI: Miami' (2002–2012). After a highly successful television career, Caruso quietly retired from acting in 2012 and has since pursued interests in the art business, maintaining a private life in Los Angeles.
Quick Answer
David Caruso retired from acting in 2012 following the cancellation of 'CSI: Miami,' where he starred as Lieutenant Horatio Caine for ten seasons. Since then, he has largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on the art business, though his art gallery reportedly closed in 2025. Caruso, now 70, lives a private life in Los Angeles and was recently seen in public in May 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Queens, New York
David Stephen Caruso was born in Forest Hills, Queens, New York.
Film Debut in 'Getting Wasted'
Caruso made his first film appearance in 'Getting Wasted' as Danny.
Appears in 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and 'First Blood'
He gained recognition for his roles as Topper Daniels in 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and Deputy Mitch Rogers in 'First Blood'.
Breakthrough Role in 'NYPD Blue'
Caruso landed his first major role as Detective John Kelly in the police procedural series 'NYPD Blue'.
Wins Golden Globe and Exits 'NYPD Blue'
He won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in 'NYPD Blue' but controversially left the show early in its second season.
Stars in 'Kiss of Death' and 'Jade'
Following his departure from 'NYPD Blue', Caruso pursued a film career, starring in 'Kiss of Death' and 'Jade', which did not achieve critical or commercial success.
Begins Role as Horatio Caine in 'CSI: Miami'
Caruso made a successful return to television, starring as Lieutenant Horatio Caine in the popular spin-off series 'CSI: Miami'.
Legal Battle with Former Partner Liza Marquez
Liza Marquez, his former girlfriend and mother of two of his children, filed papers against Caruso for fraud and breach of settlement.
Retires from Acting After 'CSI: Miami' Cancellation
After ten seasons, 'CSI: Miami' was canceled, and David Caruso quietly retired from acting, stepping away from the public eye.
First Public Sighting Post-Retirement
Caruso was seen publicly for the first time since his retirement, with his younger children, Marquez and Paloma, at Los Angeles International Airport.
Art Gallery Closes
His art gallery space, which he opened after retiring from acting, reportedly closed in 2025.
Seen in Los Angeles with a Message
Caruso was spotted in Los Angeles wearing a straw hat with a paper pinned to it that read: 'We made them rich.'
Rare Public Outing in Sherman Oaks
Caruso, aged 70, was seen running errands in Sherman Oaks, California, sporting a casual look with longer hair.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
David Stephen Caruso, born on January 7, 1956, in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, embarked on his acting career in the early 1980s with supporting roles in films like 'An Officer and a Gentleman' (1982) and 'First Blood' (1982). His breakthrough came in 1993 with the critically acclaimed police procedural series 'NYPD Blue,' where he played Detective John Kelly, earning him a Golden Globe Award. However, Caruso controversially left the highly rated show after only four episodes into its second season in 1994, seeking a substantial pay raise and a film career. This decision was later dubbed one of TV's biggest 'blunders' by TV Guide.
His attempt to establish himself as a leading man in films proved challenging, with movies like 'Kiss of Death' (1995) and 'Jade' (1995) not achieving significant success. After a period of less prominent roles, Caruso made a significant comeback to television in 2002 as Lieutenant Horatio Caine in 'CSI: Miami,' a role that revitalized his career and made him a global star. He became known for his character's distinctive one-liners and sunglasses. During his time on 'CSI: Miami,' Caruso was one of the highest-paid actors on television, earning up to $375,000 per episode.
'CSI: Miami' ran for ten successful seasons, concluding in 2012. Following the show's cancellation, Caruso quietly retired from acting, choosing to step away from the spotlight. He transitioned into the art business, reportedly opening a gallery in Westlake Village, Los Angeles, and co-owning a clothing store called Steam on Sunset in South Miami. His retirement was not accompanied by formal announcements, leading to speculation about his reasons, though reports suggest a desire for a private life and a reputation for being a 'difficult' actor contributed to his departure from Hollywood.
As of May 2026, David Caruso continues to live a private life in Los Angeles. While he was involved in the art business, his art gallery space reportedly closed in 2025. He was seen in a rare public outing in late February 2026 in Los Angeles, wearing a straw hat with a note that read 'We made them rich,' and again in Sherman Oaks, California, on May 20, 2026, where he was described as looking casual and having longer hair. Caruso, who turned 70 in January 2026, maintains a net worth estimated between $25 million and $35 million, largely accumulated during his successful television career.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if David Stephen Caruso made different choices?