Who is Taina Smits? She is the daughter of famous actor Jimmy Smits and his former wife, Barbara Smits. But she did not follow her father into movies or TV. She chose a career in teaching and school theater.

Born in 1973, she grew up before her father became a major TV star. Her early years were spent around New York. After her parents split, she and her younger brother lived with their mother in Brooklyn.

Today, Taina Smits works in Fairfax County, Virginia. Glasgow Middle School lists her as a Theatre Arts Teacher. She teaches students, directs plays, and helps young actors learn how to perform on stage.

Quick Bio

Early Life and Family Background

Her father was still building his acting career when she was young. Jimmy Smits was born in Brooklyn in 1955. Years later, shows such as L.A. Law and NYPD Blue made him a well known TV actor.

Her mother, Barbara Smits, also had a long working life. She spent about 29 years with Cornell Cooperative Extension New York City. Her work included programs that helped children, families, and local communities.

The family went through a big change in the 1980s. Jimmy and Barbara married in 1980, separated in 1986, and divorced in 1987. A news report from 1987 said Barbara was living in Brooklyn with Taina and Joaquin Smits.

What Was Taina Smits’ Education Like?

College took Taina Smits to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her public work profile lists her time there from 1992 to 1996. A 1995 newspaper story also said she was studying journalism.

That is one of the clearest facts about her college years. Some websites give more details about her education, but those claims are not backed by strong records. So it is safer to stick with what can be checked.

Journalism may look different from theater teaching, but both use many of the same skills. Students must learn how to speak, write, listen, and share ideas. Theater adds acting and stage work to those basic skills.

Teaching Career in Fairfax County Public Schools

Instead of seeking fame, Taina Smits built a career in education. Her work is linked to Fairfax County Public Schools in Northern Virginia. The official staff page for Glasgow Middle School lists her as a Theatre Arts Teacher.

Her job involves much more than standing in front of a class. Theater teachers help students read scripts, learn lines, and understand scenes. They also plan practice times and prepare students for live shows.

School theater can be hard work. Students have classes during the day and then spend extra time getting ready for a play. Teachers must keep the group focused while also making the experience fun and safe.

Why Did Taina Smits Choose Theater Education?

No public interview gives a clear answer about why she chose teaching over acting. So any claim about her private reasons would be a guess. What we do know is that theater became a major part of her work.

There is a strong family link to the stage. Jimmy Smits studied theater at Brooklyn College and later earned an MFA from Cornell University. He used that training to work in theater, movies, and television.

His daughter took the same art in a different direction. She uses theater to teach young people instead of building a screen career. That choice may be less famous, but it has a direct effect on students each school year.

Glasgow Theatre Group and Student Productions

One clear example of her work came in 2026. The Glasgow Theatre Group staged Beetlejuice Jr. on April 24 and April 25, 2026. The show’s program named Taina as the theater director.

The production notes said students had worked on the musical for about four months. They also said she was finishing a theater certification class at George Mason University. That shows she was still adding to her theater training while teaching.

A school musical needs weeks of planning. Students must learn songs, lines, dance moves, and stage cues. And the director has to bring all those parts together before opening night.

Taina Smits and Her Father Jimmy Smits

Much of the public interest in Taina Smits comes from her famous father. Jimmy Smits became widely known as lawyer Victor Sifuentes on L.A. Law. He later played detective Bobby Simone on NYPD Blue.

His other major TV roles include Matt Santos on The West Wing and Miguel Prado on Dexter. Film fans also know him as Bail Organa in the Star Wars series. His acting career has lasted for decades.

But his daughter’s life is not a copy of his. Her public work centers on students, classrooms, and school stages. The Smits name may draw attention, but her job record gives her a separate identity.

Her Mother Barbara Smits and Family Life

Barbara Smits also had a career built around service. She worked with Cornell Cooperative Extension New York City for almost three decades. Her jobs included work with youth programs and office support.

Barbara died on April 16, 2010, at age 54. Cornell said her death came after problems linked to pneumonia. The organization later created the Barbara Smits Service Award in her honor.

Public reports do not tell us how her children handled the loss. That part of family life should stay private unless they choose to speak about it. What is clear is that Barbara left behind a long record of work with young people and local programs.

What Does Taina Smits Do Outside the Classroom?

Her work has also reached beyond school plays. In 2025, she served as a judge at the 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Youth Oratorical Competition. Young students gave speeches during the event.

The role fits well with her theater work. Public speaking needs clear words, good timing, and control of the voice. Students also need the confidence to stand before an audience.

That event gives a wider look at her work with young people. Taina Smits is not only linked to school musicals. She has also taken part in events that help students learn how to speak and express their ideas.

Facts About Taina Smits

• Born in 1973 in the United States.
• Daughter of actor Jimmy Smits and Barbara Smits.
• Older sister of Joaquin Smits, who was born in 1983.
• Parents married in 1980.
• Parents separated in 1986.
• Parents divorced in 1987.
• Lived with her mother and brother in Brooklyn after the split.
• Attended Duquesne University from 1992 to 1996.
• Journalism was named as her college field in a 1995 report.
• Works with Fairfax County Public Schools.
• Teaches theater at Glasgow Middle School.
• Directs student productions for the Glasgow Theatre Group.
• Directed Beetlejuice Jr. in April 2026.
• Took part as a judge in a youth speaking event in 2025.

FAQs

Who Is Taina Smits?

Taina Smits is the daughter of actor Jimmy Smits and his former wife, Barbara Smits. She was born in 1973 and works as a theater teacher and school theater director in Virginia.

What Does Jimmy Smits’ Daughter Do for a Living?

She works in education. Glasgow Middle School lists her as a Theatre Arts Teacher, and school records also show her directing student plays and musicals.

Where Did Taina Smits Go to College?

She attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh from 1992 to 1996. A 1995 newspaper report said she was studying journalism while she was in college.

Does Taina Smits Have a Brother?

Yes. Her younger brother is Joaquin Smits, who was born in 1983. Both are the children of Jimmy and Barbara Smits.

Is Taina Smits an Actress Like Jimmy Smits?

No verified record shows a professional film or TV acting career. Her known career is in education, where she teaches theater and directs student stage shows.