Legendary CSI: Miami star seen in rare photos 12 years after leaving Hollywood

A CSI: Miami actor looked unrecognizable in LA, 12 years after leaving the iconic franchise.

David Caruso played Lt. Horatio Caine in the police procedural drama — a spin-off of the main CSI franchise — for over a decade before the series ended in 2012.

Following the cancellation, the 68-year-old stepped away from the limelight and retired from acting, turning his attention to the art world.

In new photos, he was seen making a rare public appearance while running errands in LA earlier this week.

The star was seen looking relaxed as he strolled into his art gallery, opting for a dark gray jacket teamed with a black top and khaki trousers.

He completed the look with a straw hat and sunglasses, while sporting trainers emblazoned with the American flag.

Despite being a fixture on our screens for years, David has only been seen in public a handful of times since leaving Hollywood.

He earned his first acting credit in the 1980 film Getting Wasted before appearing in Kings of New York, Kiss of Death, Jade, Proof of Life and Body Count.

On the small screen, he appeared in Hill Street Blues, Crime Story, HELP and many more before being cast as NYPD Detective John Kelly.

David was awarded a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Drama for the role, while also earning Emmy nominations.

However, he decided to turn his back on the series just a few episodes into the second season when contract negotiations broke down – after he reportedly demanded $100,000 per episode and a 38-foot trailer.

“Young actors sometimes do very stupid things,” he later told The Hollywood Reporter of his exit. ‘I was no exception.

‘NYPD Blue was a defining moment in my career, largely due to the talents of David Milch and Steven Bochco. I credit them both for all the wonderful opportunities I’ve had over the 22 years since Blue.’

David then went on to play Horatio Caine in CSI in 2002, before leading the CSI: Miami spin-off the same year.

His character became famous for his one-liners, as well as the unique way he wore his sunglasses, and became an instant favorite among viewers.

He remained in the role across 10 seasons and all 232 episodes before it was canceled by the network in 2012, deciding to stop acting after this.

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