Jimmy Smits is coming back to television… and this time he’s leaving the suit and ties behind.
According to Deadline, Smits has signed on to “Sons of Anarchy” for a season long story arc as Neron “Nero” Padilla, a man who is described as “a Latino gangbanger with an exit strategy who becomes a dangerous mentor for Jax (Charlie Hunnam).”
The report also notes that Nero is envisioned as being heavily tattooed; which puts Nero outside of Smits’ usual clean cut look. Smits first rose to prominence on “LA Law” during the ’80s before going on to star in several seasons of “NYPD Blue.” Smits has also starred in “Outlaw” and he was featured in extended stints on both “The West Wing” and Showtime’s “Dexter,” in addition to his role in two of the “Star Wars” prequel films as Bail Organa.
Smits’ “Dexter” role, A.D.A. Miguel Prado, earned Smits an Emmy nomination for one of his most villainous roles to date. While the initial report about Smits’ turn on “Sons of Anarchy” lists him as an ally of Jax, it also hints that Nero may be an even darker character than Prado; which could spell trouble for the SOA in the new season.
“Sons of Anarchy” season five will debut in the fall. It was also recently renewed for a sixth season, with a potential seventh season to follow.
