He Was Television’s Biggest Heartthrob: Today, He Looks Unrecognizable
Why David Caruso Walked Away From Hollywood
Caruso’s departure from the acting world wasn’t a gradual fade-out—it was an intentional, permanent exit. When CBS unexpectedly canceled CSI: Miami in 2012 after ten highly successful seasons, Caruso decided he had given everything he wanted to the entertainment industry.
Before his defining decade on CSI, Caruso had already tasted major television success in the early ’90s as Detective John Kelly on NYPD Blue—a role that earned him a Golden Globe. However, his early career was also plagued by industry rumors regarding his intense work ethic and behind-the-scenes friction with network executives.
By the time 2012 rolled around, Caruso chose to trade the high-stress environment of a television set for a peaceful retirement. He shifted his focus entirely toward his personal passions, stepping into the art world and opening an art gallery in Los Angeles.
