It’s been over 40 years since “Miami Vice” first brought its pastel suits, fast cars, and amazing soundtrack to television. Since “Miami Vice” premiered on NBC in 1984, the stars of the hit crime drama have gone in very different directions. The show ran for five seasons before ending its run in 1989.
“Miami Vice” followed undercover detectives Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs as they took on criminals in Miami. The show helped turn Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas into household names along the way. While some of the cast continued acting for decades in other popular TV shows and soap operas, others eventually stepped away from Hollywood. Check out what the “Miami Vice” cast is up to today.
Don Johnson
Thanks to his role as undercover detective James “Sonny” Crockett, Don Johnson became one of the biggest TV stars of the 1980s. Johnson was 35 when “Miami Vice” premiered.
The role helped launch his long Hollywood career. After the show ended, he would eventually return to television, starring in “Nash Bridges,” which ran from 1996 until 2001.
Johnson has also gone on to star in some major movies, including “Django Unchained” and “Knives Out.” More recently, he starred as Captain Robert Massey on ABC’s “Doctor Odyssey.”
Johnson also appeared in major movies including “Django Unchained” and “Knives Out.” More recently, he starred as Captain Robert Massey on ABC’s “Doctor Odyssey.”
GettyAway from the screen, Johnson is a father of five, including actress Dakota Johnson, whom he shares with ex-wife Melanie Griffith. He has been married to Kelley Phleger since 1999.
Philip Michael Thomas
Johnson starred opposite Philip Michael Thomas, who played Detective Ricardo Tubbs, Crockett’s partner. Thomas’ performance on the show earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
After “Miami Vice” ended, Thomas pretty much stepped away from acting. Some of his later credits include the 2003 thriller “Fate,” and he also lent his voice to the “Grand Theft Auto” video game franchise.
He has become more focused on music and other creative projects in recent years. He has done work with Spaceship Records.
Thomas also has a large family. He shares five children with ex-wife Kassandra Green. He reportedly also has six other children from previous relationships.
Edward James Olmos
Edward James Olmos played the serious and intimidating Lieutenant Martin “Marty” Castillo. His performance on the show earned him both Emmy and Golden Globe recognition. However, “Miami Vice” was just one part of a very impressive career.
Olmos also appeared in “Blade Runner” and played Abraham Quintanilla in the 1997 Jennifer Lopez movie “Selena.” He also received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in 1988’s “Stand and Deliver.”
GettyYears later, Olmos continues to be one of the most recognizable members of the “Miami Vice” cast.
Saundra Santiago
Saundra Santiago played the role of Detective Gina Calabrese on “Miami Vice.” Calabrese worked alongside Crockett and Tubbs, but also had a romantic history with Crockett.
After the show ended, Santiago continued to work in television. Her credits include roles on popular soap operas “Guiding Light” and “One Life to Live,” along with appearances on “The Sopranos” and “Damages.”
GettyShe has been married to musician Roger Squitero since 1999.
Olivia Brown
The memorable “Miami Vice” cast is rounded out by Olivia Brown, who played Detective Trudy Joplin.
Brown continued to act after the show ended, making appearances on several well-known TV shows. Her credits include “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” “7th Heaven,” and “Moesha.”
GettyOutside of Hollywood, she has built a family of her own. She was briefly married to actor Mykelti Williamson, but then went on to marry James Okonkwo, and they share two children.
It’s been over four decades since “Miami Vice” premiered, but its unique look and style remain a recognizable part of 1980s pop culture. The cast will forever be connected to a show that helped define an era of television.
