NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

Gritty police drama East New York has special significance for Jimmy Smits, writes Siobhan Duck

JIMMY Smits smiles at his deliberate understatement when it comes to his backcatalogue of acting roles:

“I have a bit of experience in law-enforcement television shows,” he says.

A veteran of series such as NYPD Blue, LA Law and The

West Wing – in which he covered the gamut of law-making from investigating crimes on the street, arguing cases in the court room and leading the nation as a newly elected president – the Emmy Award-winning actor is returning to his roots in more ways than one in gritty Foxtel drama East New York.

“I’m actually from East New York,” the 67-year-old reflects.

“I went to high school in East New York. It’s probably the main reason why I’m a part of this production. Growing up there, I realised the disparities in the community, the needs of the community.

“I think especially now, during this time, talking about law enforcement and communities like East New York is something that’s really important.

“And our story in the pilot episode highlights a change that’s coming about with regards to the command of our fictional 74th precinct in East New York, and what the relationship is going to be with the community and law enforcement.”

Unlike NYPD Blue, which was set in New York but largely filmed on sound studios in LA, the new show is filmed in the neighbourhoods where Smits grew up.

“The name of the show, East New York, is a character in and of itself. And there’s nothing like the energy you experience as a performer and the feeling of authenticity when you’re really on the streets. So, that’s a great thing. And for me, having grown up [there], just to be on streets I remember...” Smits continues, before pausing to clear his throat. “I’m going to have a frog in my throat because I’m [getting emotional] thinking about it.

“But all of the streets that we’re shooting on, the location streets, are streets that I kind of grew up, walking and running around when I was a teenager.”

Smits is particularly excited about the diverse line-up for East New York, which includes Amanda Warren (The Leftovers), Richard Kind (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Elizabeth Rodriguez (Orange Is The New Black). “This particular cast has so much to offer,” Smits says. “We have a wonderful variety of age, ethnicities, anything that you could imagine, but the bottom line is they’re a really talented group. Everybody came with their A-game.”

EAST NEW YORK NOW STREAMING, FOXTEL ON DEMAND