Edward James Olmos. Miami Vice (1984–1989)
He was cast as the brooding Lt. Martin Castillo six episodes into the first season.
When Michael Mann was casting his new revolutionary show he first approached Olmos to play lieutenant of the undercover unit in the Metro-Dade Police Department. Olmos wasn’t a movie star, but a well-respected, Tony Award nominated stage actor who also had notable appearances in films like Wolfen and Blade Runner. He also, as an actor who took his craft very seriously, turned Mann down.
Back then television was considered a big step down.
When the actor he did cast decided to leave the show, Mann returned to Olmos and nearly begged him to take the role (at least that’s what was told in a documentary about the show). It was reported that Olmos’ wife talked him into it.
He was given unheard of control of his character — from his costume, his dialogue, to the way his desk should look.
The show blew up, and he was one of the main reasons.