Jimmy Smits has joined the cast of The Get Down, a music driven drama series created by Baz Luhrmann.

Smits will play Francisco Cruz aka Papa Fuerte, a South Bronx politician who delivers services the city fails to provide.

“The Puerto Rican culture of the ’70’s Bronx plays such a large role in the story we are telling that the character of Papa Fuerte had to be played by an actor who could bring experience, gravitas and authenticity to the role,” Luhrmann said. 

“I know our entire cast is excited to have someone of Jimmy’s talent joining us on the journey we are undertaking. We are thrilled to have him on The Get Down.”
The Get Down tells the story of how 1970s New York City on the brink of bankruptcy gave birth to hip-hop, punk and disco told through the lives and music of several South Bronx teenagers.

It is due to debut on Netflix in 2016.

Meanwhile, Netflix has also announced a second series of Grace and Frankie starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Martin Sheen.