From breakout fame to tabloid-fueled exits and a reputation that followed him long after the cameras stopped rolling, the actor’s life has been as dramatic off-screen as it was on. Here’s a look at his transformation through striking photos.
Following his early TV roles, his explosive exit from “NYPD Blue” and late-career dominance in “CSI: Miami,” David Caruso became one of television’s most recognizable — and polarizing — figures.
But behind the shades and sharp suits was a personal life marked by failed marriages, backstage clashes, and an abrupt departure from Hollywood.
1981
In 1981, Caruso appeared in the ABC television movie “Crazy Times,” marking one of his earliest on-screen roles. Then in his mid-20s, the actor had a youthful, clean-cut look, defined by his signature red hair, boyish features, and a quiet intensity in his expression.
1982
1993
1994
By 1994, Caruso had stepped firmly into the spotlight. His portrayal of Detective John Kelly on “NYPD Blue” catapulted him to national fame, establishing him as a powerful presence on prime-time television. With his fiery red hair and intense, brooding screen presence, Caruso embodied the gritty realism that defined the show’s tone.
That same year, his performance earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Drama Series. The recognition didn’t stop there — he was also nominated for an Emmy, signaling his arrival as one of the most talked-about actors on television.
1995
Fresh off his Golden Globe win, Caruso made a bold move that would define much of his career. After just one season on “NYPD Blue,” he walked away from the show that made him a star — trading network television for the promise of big-screen success.
The decision drew heavy criticism. “He is an ordinary showbiz greedy rat who puts his personal career ahead of the TV viewers who made him what he is today,” Newsday critic Marvin Kitman wrote.
Now doing film, Caruso quickly landed lead roles in two major thrillers — “Kiss of Death” and “Jade.” However, despite high expectations, both movies fell flat.
His performance in each earned him a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst New Star, a sharp contrast to the acclaim he had received only a year earlier.
1996
1997
2000
By 2000, the actor had weathered the fallout from his leap into film, reemerging with a leaner frame and a more subdued presence. His appearance was sharper — mature, clean-cut, and measured.
That year, Caruso took a supporting role in “Proof of Life,” appearing alongside Russell Crowe and Meg Ryan. It wasn’t a breakout moment, but it marked a step forward.
2002
2003
2004
By 2004, Caruso had fully reestablished himself as a television star. With a sleeker, more refined look, he became instantly recognizable as Lieutenant Horatio Caine on “CSI: Miami.”
The role marked a major comeback. His cool demeanor, clipped delivery, and signature move — donning sunglasses before dropping a one-liner — turned Caine into a pop culture fixture.
2005
2006
2007
2008
2010
By 2010, Caruso still carried the commanding presence of Horatio Caine, but his features had softened with age. His once-vibrant red hair had faded slightly, and deeper lines now framed his face. As for the show, though “CSI: Miami” remained on the air, its momentum was slowing.
2011
2012
2014
2015
By 2015, “CSI: Miami” had ended, and Caruso had vanished from the spotlight. No longer on red carpets or soundstages, he was occasionally seen in public. But the following year, the actor’s name returned to headlines — not for a role, but for revelations.
In his memoir, TV legend Steven Bochco recalled the backstage chaos of “NYPD Blue,” calling Caruso a “malcontent” whose outrageous demands included a 38-foot trailer, a personal development executive, and a $100,000-per-episode paycheck.
“Caruso’s behavior was, simply put, cancerous,” Bochco wrote. “He was emotionally unavailable to everyone, and he was volatile, moody or sullen, depending on the day.”
He described near-daily clashes between Caruso and co-creator David Milch, who was battling heart issues at the time. “Every time I’d call Caruso into my office for a conversation about his problems, he’d shut down like a sullen teenager,” Bochco added.
Despite “NYPD Blue” becoming a hit, the actor’s conduct created what Bochco called “a dysfunctional environment” — one that Caruso seemed to enjoy, because “he was the source of all the discontent, and it empowered him.”
2025
On September 23, 2025, Caruso was spotted running errands in Los Angeles, California — one of only a handful of public appearances he’s made over the past decade. His once-bright red hair had faded to a lighter, longer shade, and his appearance reflected the quiet life he’s led.
Over the past few years, rare public sightings of Caruso have sparked social media reactions ranging from surprise to concern. “What?!!!” one netizen wrote. Another added in part, “I hope he’s alright, I used to love watching this, sending best wishes [sic].”
Since “CSI: Miami” ended in 2012, Caruso opened an art gallery in Westlake Village and later launched a clothing store in Miami, but both ventures eventually faded. According to sources, he now lives quietly off the estimated $35 million fortune he earned during his acting career.
Yet he hasn’t completely distanced himself from his screen legacy. A source revealed that inside the actor’s garage, framed photos of his time on “CSI: Miami” and “Proof of Life” still hang — a nod to the roles that defined his career.
Privately, the former Hollywood star’s life has been just as complex. He has gone through three divorces and fathered three children. His first marriage, to actress Cheri Maugans, lasted from 1979 to 1984.
That same year of his divorce, he married actress Rachel Ticotin, with whom he had a daughter, Greta. Their marriage ended in 1987, and his daughter co-authored the children’s book “The Secret Society of Aunts and Uncles” with Jake Gyllenhaal.
Caruso’s third and longest marriage, to producer Margaret Buckley, began in 1996 and ended in 2004. Soon after, he entered a relationship with Liza Marquez, the mother of his two youngest children, Marquez and Paloma. That relationship ended in a legal battle, with Marquez accusing him of emotional abuse and infidelity.
In one particularly brutal move, she claimed Caruso ended their relationship by serving her with a paternity action and a note from his attorney that reportedly read, “Reconciliation is not an option.” Caruso denied all allegations, and the matter was eventually settled.
David Caruso’s path through fame was unpredictable, marked by early success, public missteps, and an unlikely comeback. Though he has stepped away from acting, his complex legacy endures.