NYPD Blue Cast was a groundbreaking police drama that ran for 12 seasons on ABC from 1993 to 2005. The show followed the lives and cases of the detectives of the 15th Precinct in New York City, as they dealt with crime, corruption, and personal issues.
The show was known for its gritty realism, controversial topics, and frequent nudity, earning it critical acclaim and numerous awards
Here is a guide to the stars of NYPD Blue and what they are doing now
Table of Contents
1. Dennis Franz as Andy Sipowicz
Dennis Franz played Andy Sipowicz, the gruff but loyal detective who was the main character of the show. Sipowicz struggled with alcoholism, racism, and anger issues, but also showed compassion and courage.
He was partnered with John Kelly (David Caruso), Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits), Danny Sorenson (Rick Schroder), and John Clark Jr. (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) throughout the series.
He also had a tumultuous relationship with his wife Sylvia Costas (Sharon Lawrence), who was killed by a gunman in season six.
Franz won four Emmy Awards for his role as Sipowicz, making him the most awarded actor for a single role in a drama series. He also won a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
After NYPD Blue Cast ended, Franz retired from acting and moved to Idaho with his wife Joanie. He has not appeared in any film or TV projects since then.
2. Jimmy Smits as Bobby Simone
Jimmy Smits played Bobby Simone, the charismatic and sensitive detective who replaced John Kelly as Sipowicz’s partner in season two. Simone had a passion for pigeons, woodworking, and jazz music.
He also had a romance with Diane Russell (Kim Delaney), whom he married in season six. However, he died shortly after from a heart infection.
Smits was nominated for five Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards for his role as Simone. He also won an ALMA Award and a Viewers for Quality Television Award. After NYPD Blue Cast, Smits starred in several TV shows, including The West Wing, Dexter, Sons of Anarchy, 24: Legacy, Bluff City Law, and The Mandalorian. He also appeared in films such as Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Mother and Child, and In the Heights.
3. Kim Delaney as Diane Russell
Kim Delaney played Diane Russell, the beautiful and smart detective who joined the 15th Precinct in season two. Russell had a history of alcoholism and sexual abuse by her father, which affected her relationships with men.
She fell in love with Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits), whom she married and later lost to a heart infection. She also had a brief affair with Danny Sorenson (Rick Schroder) and a friendship with Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz).
Delaney won an Emmy Award for her role as Russell, as well as three Viewers for Quality Television Awards. She also received two Golden Globe nominations and two Screen Actors Guild nominations.
After NYPD Blue Cast, Delaney starred in several TV shows, including CSI: Miami, Army Wives, The Oath, Chicago Fire, and Rebel. She also reprised her role as Russell in a pilot for a potential NYPD Blue Cast sequel in 2019.
4. Mark-Paul Gosselaar as John Clark Jr.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar played John Clark Jr., the young and ambitious detective who replaced Danny Sorenson as Sipowicz’s partner in season nine.
Clark Jr. was the son of John Clark Sr. (Joe Spano), a former detective who committed suicide after being accused of corruption.
Clark Jr. had a rebellious streak and a penchant for dating older women. He also had a rivalry with Eddie Gibson (John F. O’Donohue), who became his boss in season 11.
Gosselaar received two Teen Choice Award nominations for his role as Clark Jr. He also won an ALMA Award and a Young Artist Award for his previous role as Zack Morris on Saved by the Bell.
After NYPD Blue, Gosselaar starred in several TV shows, including Commander in Chief, Raising the Bar, Franklin & Bash, Pitch, The Passage, and Mixed-ish. He also reprised his role as Zack Morris in the Saved by the Bell revival in 2020.
Other NYPD Blue Cast Members
1. David Caruso as John Kelly (season 1-2)
The original partner of Sipowicz, who left the 15th Precinct after being investigated by Internal Affairs. Caruso went on to star in CSI: Miami, Session 9, and Proof of Life.
2. James McDaniel as Arthur Fancy (season 1-8)
The stern but fair captain of the 15th Precinct, who was later promoted to chief of detectives. McDaniel appeared in shows like The Following, Sleepy Hollow, Orange Is the New Black, and The Comey Rule.
3. Bill Brochtrup as John Irvin (season 3-12)
The cheerful and efficient PAA (police administrative assistant) of the 15th Precinct, who was openly gay. Brochtrup appeared in shows like Shameless, Major Crimes, and Kendra.
4. Henry Simmons as Baldwin Jones (season 6-12)
The tall and muscular detective who partnered with Diane Russell and later Rita Ortiz. Simmons appeared in shows like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Shark, Man Up, and Council of Dads.
5. Sharon Lawrence as Sylvia Costas (season 1-6)
The assistant district attorney who had a romance and a son with Sipowicz, but was killed by a gunman in season six. Lawrence appeared in shows like Desperate Housewives, Drop Dead Diva, Shameless, and Rebel.
6. Rick Schroder as Danny Sorenson (season 6-8)
The impulsive and hot-headed detective who replaced Simone as Sipowicz’s partner. Schroder appeared in shows like 24, Scrubs, Lonesome Dove, and Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors.
7. Charlotte Ross as Connie McDowell (season 8-12)
The feisty and compassionate detective who partnered with Sipowicz and later married him. Ross appeared in shows like Glee, Nashville, Arrow, and Hit the Floor.
8. Esai Morales as Tony Rodriguez (season 8-11)
The charismatic and ambitious lieutenant who replaced Fancy as the boss of the 15th Precinct. Morales appeared in shows like Caprica, Criminal Minds, Ozark, and Titans.
9. Jacqueline Obradors as Rita Ortiz (season 9-12)
The tough and sexy detective who partnered with Baldwin Jones and later John Clark Jr. Obradors appeared in shows like Freddie, Lopez, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Bosch.
10. Currie Graham as Thomas Bale (season 12)
The rigid and by-the-book lieutenant who replaced Rodriguez as the boss of the 15th Precinct. Graham appeared in shows like Rizzoli & Isles, Murder in the First, Westworld, and City on a Hill.
11. Bonnie Somerville as Laura Murphy (season 12)
The smart and confident detective who partnered with Sipowicz in the final season. Somerville appeared in shows like Code Black, Friends from College, Blue Bloods, and Firefly Lane
FAQ: The Ultimate Guide to Your Questions
Q: When did NYPD Blue air?
A: NYPD Blue aired from September 21, 1993 to March 1, 2005 on ABC.
Q: How many episodes of NYPD Blue are there?
A: There are 261 episodes of NYPD Blue across 12 seasons.
Q: Who created NYPD Blue?
A: NYPD Blue was created by Steven Bochco and David Milch.
Q: Is NYPD Blue based on a true story?
A: NYPD Blue is not based on a true story, but it was inspired by the experiences of Bill Clark, a former NYPD detective who served as a technical advisor and producer on the show.
Q: Where can I watch NYPD Blue?
A: You can watch NYPD Blue on Hulu or Amazon Prime Video with a subscription. You can also buy or rent episodes on iTunes or Google Play
