David Caruso, the CSI: Miami star best known for Horatio Caine’s sharp suits and cropped hair, was spotted in Sherman Oaks running errands in laid-back sweats and a beige fedora—years after retiring from acting following CSI: Miami’s abrupt cancellation.
On Monday in Sherman Oaks. California. David Caruso stepped out to run errands dressed in a way that would barely register as “Horatio Caine.” The 72-year-old looked relaxed in light gray sweatpants and a gray printed shirt. finishing the casual look with dark-colored Crocs. a beige fedora. and black sunglasses.
What caught people’s attention wasn’t just the streetwear. Caruso’s red hair was long, a stark contrast to the cropped style fans were used to seeing onscreen. The overall effect was startling—especially for viewers who remember him in CSI: Miami as sharply dressed. controlled. and unmistakably suited up.
Caruso played Lieutenant Horatio Caine on CSI: Miami from 2002 until 2012. The series ended abruptly due to low ratings and an overblown budget. After the show was canceled, he chose to step away from Hollywood and retire from acting instead of seeking out a new role.
He then pivoted into the art world, becoming an art dealer and gallery owner. That gallery space closed in 2025.
For Caruso, CSI: Miami also carried the weight of a comeback. The role came after he left NYPD Blue partway through the second season to pursue a film career—despite winning a Golden Globe for the part. “I had to come back and prove I could do it again. ” he told Entertainment Weekly of his return to TV. “The films didn’t work out, and this show gave me a second chance. I wasn’t going to waste it.”.
Years later, he described the difficulty of finding steady work after leaving NYPD Blue. He told CNN. “I had nine years of unemployment to clarify that.” He added. “A lot was happening in those days. very quickly. Television, as you know, can kind of jettison you into a whole new world. So too much was happening. Now is a different time, and I’m armed with different information.”.
Not long after, Caruso’s reputation was hit by public criticism tied to his time on NYPD Blue. In 2016, NYPD Blue showrunner Steven Bochco exposed what he described as allegedly volatile on-set behavior in his book, Truth Is A Total Defense.
Bochco wrote. “Every time I’d call Caruso into my office for a conversation about his problems. he’d shut down like a sullen teenager. Caruso’s behavior was. simply put. cancerous.” He continued: “He was emotionally unavailable to everyone. and he was volatile. moody or sullen. depending on the day.” Bochco added that Caruso seemed to thrive in the dysfunction. writing. “Most people don’t function well in a dysfunctional environment. but Caruso loved it because he was the source of all the discontent. and it empowered him.”.
Bochco also claimed Caruso never told him directly that he felt too good for television. writing: “He never said it to me directly. but the simple truth was. Caruso felt he was too good for television. He wanted to be a movie star.” Bochco described a plan he believed Caruso had—“And his plan was to alienate the writers. producers and his fellow castmates in hopes that we would dump him from the show. Fat chance.”.
Caruso has denied or redirected some of the allegations that followed. One claim. attributed to alleged demands. included a paycheck of $100. 000 per episode. a 38-foot trailer. additional security. and two hotel suites in NYC. When asked by The Hollywood Reporter about these allegations, Caruso responded simply: “Young actors sometimes do very dumb things. I was no exception,” before adding that he was grateful for the opportunities that bloomed out of NYPD Blue.
Now. with this rare outing in Sherman Oaks. Caruso’s public image looks worlds away from the character he became known for. A beige fedora. Crocs on the sidewalk. Long red hair. And the quiet normalcy of someone running errands—after a career that once played out in tailored suits. intense close-ups. and a spotlight that never really seemed to dim.
David Caruso CSI: Miami Horatio Caine Sherman Oaks NYPD Blue Steven Bochco Truth Is A Total Defense art dealer gallery owner