What Happened to This ‘NYPD Blue’ Star Who Fans Called ‘Nearly Unrecognizable’ in Recent Years?

Rising to fame in the ’90s, this Hollywood actor became a household name with his gritty portrayal of Detective John Kelly on “NYPD Blue.” His career, however, took a tumultuous turn as he ventured into the world of film.

The actor made a comeback in 2002 following his iconic role in “CSI: Miami.” However, in 2012, he stepped away from acting, fading from public view. Now, a recent sighting left fans stunned by his drastic change in appearance.

The Actor’s Meteoric Rise and Fall

The Hollywood star had a slow-burn rise to fame, starting with minor roles in films like “Getting Wasted” and “Without Warning” in 1980. Despite his early efforts, he struggled to secure a leading role in the industry, often told he lacked the traditional looks and charisma to be a film star.

However, television proved to be a more promising avenue, particularly within the crime genre. In the early ’80s, the actor gained traction with a recurring role as a gang leader on “Hill Street Blues,” showcasing his ability to portray gritty, complex characters.

This led to further opportunities, including a notable appearance in “Crime Story” in 1986. However, it wasn’t until 1993 that the actor truly found his breakthrough role as Detective John Kelly in the critically acclaimed series “NYPD Blue,” co-starring Dennis Franz.

The show’s gritty realism and bold storytelling quickly captivated audiences, and his portrayal of the principled yet volatile Detective Kelly earned him widespread acclaim. He received a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination, solidifying his status as a rising star.

But with fame came an inflated sense of self-worth, and rumors began circulating that the actor had become difficult to work with. His co-stars and the show’s creators found themselves dealing with increasingly demanding behavior.

“NYPD Blue” showrunner Steven Bochco revealed that while there were initial concerns about casting the actor due to his reputation, his previous work on “Hill Street Blues” convinced them to take a chance. Despite the reservations, Bochco acknowledged his talent.

However, during the summer hiatus after the first season of “NYPD Blue,” the actor’s demands became untenable. Dissatisfied with his $40,000 per episode salary, he sought a significant pay increase, asking for $100,000 per episode, along with a host of extravagant perks.

These included Fridays off, a 38-foot trailer, a private office suite equipped with a development executive, and additional security for when he was filming on location. A second set of requests was also made, this time asking for $65,000 per episode but still insisting on other luxuries like hotel suites and first-class flights.

The escalating situation led to the actor leaving the show with a parting agreement. The agreement stipulated that the actor would film the first four episodes of season two of “NYPD Blue” to allow for a proper exit for his character.

A clause in the agreement also barred him from working on another television series for five years. When he completed his final scene, his departure was abrupt and unceremonious. He allegedly left the set without a word to his fellow cast members or crew.

The Actor’s Tumultuous Journey from the Silver Screen Back to TV Stardom

After his dramatic exit from “NYPD Blue,” the Hollywood star set his sights on conquering the silver screen, determined to prove his doubters wrong. With confidence in his ability to shine in the film industry, the actor announced his decision to pursue movie stardom, making headlines across the tabloids.

His focus remained on the crime thriller genre, where he had found previous success on television. However, translating that success to film would prove more challenging than anticipated.

The actor’s first major film, “Kiss of Death,” hit theaters in 1995. He took on the role of a petty thief trying to go straight, a character that aligned well with his previous work. While the film received some positive reviews for its gritty narrative and performances, it failed to make a significant impact at the box office.

Undeterred, the star quickly followed up with another crime thriller, “Jade,” released in 1995. This time, he portrayed a homicide detective caught in a web of corruption and murder. Unfortunately, the film was met with harsh criticism and was dismissed as a grisly and unappealing thriller.

The lack of success in both “Kiss of Death” and “Jade” culminated in a humbling moment for the actor when he was nominated for a Razzie Award as the “Worst New Star” for his performances in the two films.

This dubious honor marked a significant setback in his quest for film stardom. By the time his next film, “Cold Around the Heart,” was released in 1997, the momentum he had hoped to build in the film industry had all but evaporated.

The film, in which he played a jewel thief betrayed by his seductive partner-in-crime, received little attention, further solidifying his struggles on the big screen. As the 1990s drew to a close, the actor’s film career appeared to be in tatters.

However, in 2000, he was given a second chance at cinematic success with a supporting role in “Proof of Life.” Reflecting on his career’s ups and downs, he remarked, “What’s neat for me is that people are finally focusing on my work again. It was, uh, complicated there for a while.”

However, in 2002, the actor returned to the medium that had initially made him a star—television. He found TV magic once again when he was cast as Lieutenant Horatio Caine in the “CSI: Miami” series, a spin-off from the immensely popular “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”

The show, which focused more on the methodology of crime-solving and intricate whodunit twists rather than deep character development, became an instant hit.

The actor’s portrayal of the slick, methodical Lieutenant Caine, with his signature slow speech patterns, earned him a new level of fame. His approach to the role, reminiscent of William Shatner’s methodical Captain Kirk, captivated audiences and solidified his place in television history.

“CSI: Miami,” co-starring Evan Ellingson, ran successfully for ten seasons, from 2002 to 2012, with the actor anchoring the show throughout its entire run. However, following the series’ cancellation, the Hollywood star faded from the public eye.

His departure from television marked the end of an era, and little was seen or heard of him in the years that followed. The man who once sought to dominate both television and film had quietly stepped away from the spotlight, leaving behind a legacy defined by both his triumphs and his challenges.

A Shocking Transformation – The Actor’s Recent Public Appearance

In a rare public outing, David Caruso, the fallen Hollywood star beloved for his roles in “NYPD Blue” and “CSI: Miami,” was photographed looking almost unrecognizable to many of his fans.

The actor, once known for his sharp, clean-cut appearance on “CSI: Miami,” sported a much more casual and aged look. His hair was longer and thinning, and his face showed signs of aging.

His fuller figure and more relaxed demeanor starkly contrasted the polished image that television viewers remembered. Fans who had once admired his stoic on-screen persona were taken aback by the drastic change in his appearance.

“Wow! What happened to him? He is my favorite character!!!” one person commented. Another wrote in part, “It’s hard to believe the sexy and handsome David Caruso of ‘CSI Miami’ has changed dramatically. He was so hot then!”

Another social media user shared, “What happened to David Caruso?” A third typed, “Where is the wonderful actor and so handsome MAN, David Caruso Noe??? I can’t find HIM nowhere….”

“David Caruso [is] nearly unrecognizable,” someone else said. However, others came to the actor’s defense, with one person writing, “He’s 67, let him retire in peace.”

Caruso’s journey from TV stardom to a failed movie career and back to the small screen was marked by both triumph and controversy. After stepping away from the spotlight in 2012, his recent public appearance left fans grappling with the passage of time and the inevitability of change.