David Caruso didn't just walk away from the camera. He basically vanished. One minute he was the most recognizable face on television, tilting his sunglasses at a 45-degree angle while a The Who track blasted in the background. The next? Silence. Total radio silence.
If you’re looking for him on the 2026 casting sheets, you’re going to be disappointed. Honestly, he’s done with the industry. Like, done done. No "prestige TV" comeback, no gritty indie film roles, and definitely no CSI reboots.
But he isn't just sitting in a rocking chair somewhere. While the world was busy wondering where the man behind Horatio Caine went, Caruso was busy building a life that looks absolutely nothing like his days on a Hollywood soundstage.
The Myth of the "Unrecognizable" Star
You've probably seen those clickbait headlines. "You Won't Believe What David Caruso Looks Like Now!" or "David Caruso Spotted Looking Unrecognizable!"
It’s kinda dramatic, right?
In reality, the man is 70 years old. He isn't wearing the designer suits or the Max Mara coats that defined his CSI: Miami era anymore. Recent sightings—which are rare, like spotting a snow leopard in the wild—show him in California’s San Fernando Valley looking like, well, a normal guy. Long hair, casual hoodies, and a vibe that says "I haven't thought about a script since 2012."
He’s living a quiet life in Sherman Oaks. People who see him say he’s low-key. He isn't chasing the paparazzi; in fact, he’s spent the last decade-plus actively dodging them.
What is David Caruso doing these days?
The short answer: He's an entrepreneur with a heavy lean into the art world.
After CSI: Miami got the axe in 2012, Caruso didn't take meetings with agents. He took a hard pivot into business. He actually co-owned a trendy clothing and furniture store in South Miami called Steam on Sunset. It was a high-end spot, very much reflecting that sleek aesthetic he became known for.
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He also dove headfirst into the art scene. For a while, he operated a gallery in Westlake Village, California.
- The Gallery Life: He wasn't just a name on the door. He was seen personally moving canvases and curate shows.
- The Business Portfolio: Beyond the gallery, he's been involved with ventures like DavidCarusoTelevision.tv and LexiconDigital.tv.
- The Retirement Reality: While some reports suggest his gallery has permanently closed its physical doors recently, he remains a collector and a fixture in those private circles.
Why did he actually quit?
Most actors leave a hit show because they want to "do movies." Caruso did that once before—the infamous NYPD Blue exit that everyone in Hollywood still talks about like it was a Greek tragedy. He left a massive hit to become a movie star, and... it didn't quite stick.
But the 2012 exit was different. There was no "next big thing" lined up.
By the time CSI: Miami ended its 10-season run, Caruso had filmed 232 episodes. He was the only cast member to appear in every single one. That kind of schedule is a grind that most people can't wrap their heads around. We're talking 14-hour days, year after year.
He made his money—an estimated $375,000 per episode at his peak. With a net worth sitting comfortably around $35 million, he simply didn't need to work anymore. He chose privacy over the paycheck.
The Real Estate Empire
If you want to know what someone is doing, look at where they put their money. Caruso has always been savvy with California and Florida real estate.
He’s kept a foot in both worlds. He has a massive, ultra-luxury condo in the Il Villaggio building in Miami Beach. It’s a 7th-floor oceanfront spot that basically looks like a set from his old show, minus the crime scenes.
Then there’s his primary residence in Sherman Oaks. He bought it for around $1.9 million years ago, and in today's market, it's easily worth over $3 million. He isn't "struggling" or "fading away." He’s just living a life that isn't for sale to the public.
Life in 2026: The Quiet Reality
So, what does a typical Tuesday look like for David Caruso now?
It’s mostly family and local life. He has three children—Greta, Marquez, and Paloma—and he’s been spotted frequently just being a dad and a partner. He’s often seen with his longtime companion, walking through the Valley, grabbing coffee, and avoiding the "Lieutenant Caine" persona at all costs.
He doesn't do interviews. He doesn't have a verified Instagram where he posts "throwback Thursday" photos of his Golden Globe win. He’s one of the few celebrities who actually meant it when he said he was retiring.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're holding out hope for a revival, here's the reality check:
- Stop waiting for a reboot: CBS has moved on with CSI: Vegas, and Caruso has shown zero interest in returning to the screen.
- Appreciate the reruns: CSI: Miami remains one of the most-syndicated shows globally. If you miss the shades and the one-liners, Ion Television or streaming platforms are your best bet.
- Check the art world: If you’re in the LA or Miami art scenes, you’re more likely to run into him at a private gallery opening than a movie premiere.
- Respect the privacy: The man spent 30 years in the spotlight. He's clearly enjoying the "unrecognizable" phase of his life.
David Caruso’s current chapter is a masterclass in how to leave Hollywood on your own terms. He didn't wait for the industry to forget him; he decided to forget the industry first.
Next Steps for You:
If you're interested in the business side of celebrity retirements, you might want to look into how stars like Rick Moranis or Gene Hackman managed their exits. Like Caruso, they've proven that the most successful "act" in Hollywood is sometimes knowing exactly when to take your final bow.