David Caruso Net Worth

What Is David Caruso's Net Worth and Salary?

David Caruso is an American actor and producer who has a net worth of $20 million.

David Caruso is best known for playing two of television's most memorable detectives: John Kelly on "NYPD Blue" and Horatio Caine on "CSI: Miami." Caruso first built his career through tough, tightly wound supporting roles in films and television dramas, including early appearances in "First Blood," "An Officer and a Gentleman," "Hill Street Blues," and "King of New York." His first major breakthrough came in 1993 with "NYPD Blue," where his intense performance helped define the show's early identity and earned him a Golden Globe.

After a difficult and heavily publicized attempt to transition into leading film roles, Caruso staged one of the most successful television comebacks of the 2000s with "CSI: Miami." As the sunglasses-wearing, one-liner-delivering Horatio Caine, he became the face of a globally popular procedural franchise that ran for 10 seasons. After "CSI: Miami" ended, Caruso stepped away from acting and largely retreated from public life.

"NYPD Blue" Salary Fight

During the first season of "NYPD Blue," David was earning $42,500 per episode. He famously did not feel this salary was high enough. For the next season, he not only tried to get a six-figure salary per episode ($100,000 per episode), but he also demanded a range of other bonuses. These bonuses included a 38-foot trailer, Fridays off, an office suite, two Manhattan suites, 12 first-class plane tickets, and his own team of private security. When he wasn't given exactly what he wanted, Caruso quit. His decision would later be described as one of the biggest blunders of television history as Caruso's career foundered for the next decade. David appeared in 26 episodes of "NYPD Blue." The series went on to air 235 episodes without him during its run.

"CSI" Salary

Although Caruso's salary fluctuated over time while he was appearing on "CSI: Miami," he was at one point earning a peak amount of $375,000 per episode. That worked out to around $9 million per season.

(Photo by Jun Sato/ WireImage)

Early Life

David Stephen Caruso was born on January 7, 1956, in Queens, New York. He grew up in a working-class family and attended Archbishop Molloy High School. His father, Charles Caruso, worked as a magazine and newspaper editor, while his mother, Joan, was a librarian. Caruso became interested in movies and acting at a young age, reportedly working as a cinema usher before pursuing performing professionally.

Like many New York actors of his generation, Caruso spent his early career building credits gradually. He did not become an overnight star. Instead, he worked his way through small roles, character parts, police dramas, and crime films, developing a screen persona that mixed intensity, restraint, and a sharp edge.

Early Film and Television Career

Caruso's first screen roles came in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He appeared in the 1980 film "Getting Wasted" and soon began landing more noticeable supporting parts. In 1982, he appeared in both "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "First Blood," two major films that helped introduce him to wider audiences. In "First Blood," he played Deputy Mitch Rogers, one of the younger officers involved in the pursuit of John Rambo.

Throughout the 1980s, Caruso continued working steadily in film and television. He appeared in movies such as "Blue City," "China Girl," "Twins," and "King of New York." On television, he had a recurring role on "Hill Street Blues," which gave him valuable experience in the kind of gritty police drama that would later make him famous.

"NYPD Blue" Breakthrough

Caruso's career changed dramatically in 1993 when he was cast as Detective John Kelly on ABC's "NYPD Blue." The show was a major television event, known for its adult themes, realistic language, complicated characters, and cinematic style. Caruso's performance as Kelly was one of the central reasons the first season worked so well. He brought a controlled volatility to the role, playing Kelly as tough, wounded, principled, and unpredictable.

The performance made Caruso a star almost immediately. He won a Golden Globe for the role and became one of the most talked-about actors on television. But his time on "NYPD Blue" was famously brief. Caruso left early in the show's second season after contract and career disputes, choosing to pursue film stardom instead. The decision became one of the most widely discussed career gambles in modern television history.

Film Career and Setbacks

After leaving "NYPD Blue," Caruso attempted to establish himself as a leading man in movies. He starred in the 1995 crime thriller "Kiss of Death" and the erotic thriller "Jade." Both films arrived with attention because of his sudden television fame, but neither became the major box office breakthrough he needed. The combination of disappointing commercial results and negative press around his "NYPD Blue" departure made this period a difficult one for his career.

Caruso continued acting, including roles in "Cold Around the Heart," "Body Count," "Proof of Life," and "Session 9." While some of those performances were well regarded, especially his work in the cult horror film "Session 9," he did not become the movie star he had hoped to become. By the late 1990s, his career had cooled considerably compared to the frenzy that surrounded him during "NYPD Blue."

"CSI: Miami" Comeback

Caruso made a major comeback in 2002 when he was cast as Lieutenant Horatio Caine on "CSI: Miami." The series was a spinoff of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and quickly became one of the most recognizable procedural dramas of the 2000s. As Horatio, Caruso created a distinct television character: calm, deliberate, protective, and almost mythic in his sense of justice.

The role turned Caruso into a global television star. His habit of delivering a dramatic line, putting on sunglasses, and walking out of frame before the opening theme became one of the most parodied and recognizable TV gestures of the decade. Rather than hurting the show, that signature style helped define it.

"CSI: Miami" ran for 10 seasons from 2002 to 2012, producing 232 episodes. Caruso appeared in every episode, making Horatio Caine the longest-running and most commercially successful role of his career. The show also became extremely popular internationally, further cementing Caruso's place in television history.

Later Life and Retirement From Acting

After "CSI: Miami" ended in 2012, Caruso quietly stepped away from acting. Unlike many television stars who move immediately into streaming, guest roles, podcasts, or reality shows, he largely disappeared from Hollywood. His acting credits effectively ended with "CSI: Miami," and he has maintained a very low public profile since then.

In later years, Caruso became involved in the art business and has been associated with gallery work in Southern California.

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Relationships

From 1979 to 1984, David was married to a woman named Cheri Maugans. In 1984, he married actress Rachel Ticotin. They had one child together before splitting up in 1987. Caruso then began a relationship with Liza Marquez. They dated for several years before splitting up in 2007. During this period, the pair had two children together.

Later, Marquez sued Caruso, seeking more than $1.2 million and a deed to a home that she claims David promised her. Caruso's ex-girlfriend testified in court that he promised to support her even after their relationship ended, which is a classic example of a "common law" relationship that would be recognized by Californian courts in the context of alimony.

When all was said and done, Marquez sued Caruso for fraud, breach of their settlement agreement, and emotional distress. Court documents revealed that David's ex painted him as an abusive figure and a "reluctant" father. She also claimed that she and Caruso came to an agreement that would have left her with $1 million (plus $200,000 in attorney fees) and a home in the San Fernando Valley. In an official statement, Caruso's lawyers vehemently denied such claims.

From 1996 to 2007, David was married to Margaret Buckley.

Real Estate

In 2009, David paid $1.9 million for a home in Sherman Oaks, California. Today, this property is worth around $3 million. He also owns a condo in Miami, which was acquired in 1998 for a bit over $1 million. Today, this property is worth around $4 million.

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