Barbara Smits is the ex-wife of actor Jimmy Smith, who is best known for playing attorney Victor Sifuentes in the 1980s-1990s legal drama Los Angeles Law, and NYPD detective Bobby Simon in the 1990s police drama NYPD Blue.
Smith previously worked at Cornell Cooperative Extension-New York City (CCE-NYC). She worked for that company for 29 years. At the time of his death, she was 54.
It has been more than ten years since Barbara left this world. Discover the life of this woman; her career, her married life with her actor husband, their divorce, and their children. Find out also how she is remembered by her family.
Barbara Smits Was With The Cornell’s Extension Faculty
Barbara Snits was born on 27 November 1955. The daughter of the former Cornell and Emilyn Smith, she studied at Ithaca College (entering in 1981). As mentioned, Barbara worked at Cornell’s Cooperative Extension Institute in New York.
Smith came to New York in 1982 to work in the 4-H program. She then became the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director for the Environmental Issues Program. In 2004, Smith’s former wife, Jimmy, became the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director of CCE-NYC.
In her honor, CCECEC established the Barbara Smits Award of Merit.
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Barbara Smits Was Married To Actor Jimmy SmitsÂ
Smith and Jimmy had been together since high school. When they had their first child, Barbara’s ex-husband Jimmy was doing Shakespeare and all the classics. He had also quit the football team at Brooklyn’s Thomas Jefferson High School to join the drama club.
Barbara’s husband got his big break in acting when he took on the role of Attorney Sifuentes in the first five seasons of L.A. Law. He also had several roles in other popular series such as The West Wing, Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Sons of Anarchy, and Dexter. Jimmy also starred briefly in the Star Wars Begins trilogy.
The Brooklyn-born actor’s career was further boosted by his role as Detective Bobby Simon on the ABC series NYPD BLUE, which ran from 1994 to 1998. His portrayal of Bobby Simon earned him the HOLA Awards of Excellence. He also received the 1990 Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Jimmy is also a two-time ALMA Award winner.
Smith and Jimmy married on 10 June 1980 and remained married until 1987.
The Reason Behind Barbara And Jimmy’s Divorce?
Smith’s husband, who at the time was still working on the popular NBC television series “L.A. Lawmen”, filed divorce papers in Los Angeles Superior Court in October 1987. Barbara’s ex-spouse at the time cited irreconcilable differences as the reason. The court document stated that they had been separated since 15 March 1986.
The Brooklyn College alumnus and his publicist describe it as “an amicable procedure under the circumstances.” At the time of the divorce filing, Barbara was living in Brooklyn, New York, with her two children.
Barbara Smits Had Two ChildrenÂ
During their marriage, Barbara and Jimmy became the parents of two children, Tina, born in 1975, and Joaquin, born in 1983.
At the time of the divorce, Tina was 13 years old and Joaquin was 3. The documents filed indicated that the actor did not claim custody of the two children.
The daughter, Taina, works as a theatre arts teacher at Glasgow High School in Fairfax County, Virginia. She is now in her 40s. Taiana is married to a guy called Bo Beasley and has a daughter, Tyler.
During The Divorce, Barbara’s Husband Allegedly Had A Fight With the Police
The month after Jimmy filed for divorce in November 1987, he was scheduled for arraignment with his girlfriend, Wanda DeJesus (1986-present). He was detained by the authorities on charges arising from an alleged confrontation with police who had arrived at his West Los Angeles home after a local woman had called the police on suspicion of domestic violence.
Three police officers arrived to respond to reports of a woman screaming for help from Smith’s house. When the officers arrived at the scene, Barbara’s ex and DeJesus had allegedly assaulted them. Initially, the court decided to drop the charges because of contradictory witness testimony. However, they later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor breach of the peace.
DeJesus was subsequently sentenced to 18 months probation, 75 hours of community service, and a fine of $250, while Smith was ordered to pay a fine of $150,18 months’ unsupervised detention, and 50 hours of community service.
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Barbara Smits’ Death
Hollywood Walk of Fame ex-wife Barbara Smits died on 16 April 2010 from complications of pneumonia. Her daughter Taina never forgets to remember and honor her.
Whether it’s Barbara’s birthday or Mother’s Day, Jimmy’s daughter makes sure she spreads her love for her deceased daughter. Taina admits that it is often a bittersweet day for her, knowing that her mother is not physically there.
Quick Facts About Barbara Smits
| Full Name: | Barbara Smits |
|---|---|
| Born Date: | 27 Nov, 1955 |
| Age: | 66 years |
| Horoscope: | Sagittarius |
| Lucky Number: | 4 |
| Lucky Stone: | Turquoise |
| Lucky Color: | Orange |
| Best Match for Marriage: | Leo, Aquarius |
| Death Date: | April 16, 2010 |
| Gender: | Female |
| Profession: | Celebrity Ex-Wife |
| Country: | USA |
| Marital Status: | divorce |
| Divorce | Jimmy Smits |
| Net Worth | $1M |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | Ithaca College |
| Kids | Two (Taina and Joaquin) |