Taina Smits is the daughter of actor Jimmy Smits and his former wife, Barbara Smits. Unlike her famous father, Taina built her career in education. She studied at Duquesne University and has worked for Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. Her professional work includes English education, theater teaching, and directing student productions.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Taina Smits |
| Known for | Jimmy Smits’s daughter |
| Date of birth | Not publicly confirmed |
| Birthplace | Not publicly confirmed |
| Hometown connection | Brooklyn, New York |
| Father | Jimmy Smits |
| Mother | Barbara Smits |
| Brother | Joaquin Smits |
| Education | Duquesne University |
| Degree | Bachelor’s in English/Education |
| Profession | Teacher and theater director |
| Employer | Fairfax County Public Schools |
| School | Glasgow Middle School |
| Children | Two, according to reports |
| Net worth | Not reliably known |
Early Life and Family
Taina is one of two children of Jimmy Smits and Barbara Smits. Her brother is Joaquin Smits. Her exact date and place of birth have not been publicly confirmed.
Taina has described herself as being from Brooklyn, New York. Her parents married on June 10, 1980, but separated on March 15, 1986. Jimmy filed for divorce in 1987, citing irreconcilable differences.
After the separation, Barbara reportedly moved to Brooklyn with Taina and Joaquin. Contemporary reports from the time identified both children as Jimmy and Barbara’s children.
Education at Duquesne University
Taina attended Duquesne University from 1992 to 1996. Her professional profile lists a bachelor’s degree in English/Education.
Her original academic plans were different. In a January 2025 public statement, Taina described herself as a journalism major from Brooklyn who later became an English teacher.
The exact time when she changed her academic direction is unclear, but she eventually focused on English and education.
One secondary source says Taina also earned a master’s degree in theater. However, this qualification has not been confirmed by a stronger academic or institutional source.
Taina Smits’s Teaching Career
Taina developed a career that is separate from her father’s work in Hollywood.
She has worked for Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. Earlier professional information identified her as an English teacher.
More recently, Glasgow Middle School has listed her as a Theatre Arts Teacher. As of August 2026, she remained listed as a member of the school’s staff.
Taina has also spoken positively about the role her students have played in her professional development.
Her Work in Theater
Theater has become an important part of Taina’s work as an educator.
She has described herself as a theater teacher and director. In one social media post, she mentioned entering her fifth year as the theater teacher and director at her middle school. She tagged Lin-Manuel Miranda and said she was inspired by his creative work.
Taina has helped students prepare for school productions. She also promoted Glasgow Middle School’s production of Annie Jr. the Musical.
Her writing and directing interests appear to be mainly connected with education. There are no major professional film or television directing credits documented for her.
Community Work
Taina has also taken part in educational activities outside her school.
In January 2025, she wrote about serving as a judge for a Delta Sigma Theta youth oratorical competition connected with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
She said it was her second year serving as a judge at the event.
Who Is Jimmy Smits?
Jimmy Smits is an American actor known for television, film, and theater work.
He became widely known for his roles in L.A. Law and NYPD Blue. His other major television credits include The West Wing and Sons of Anarchy.
Jimmy also played Bail Organa in the Star Wars franchise. His film credits include the 2021 musical drama In the Heights.
Although Taina grew up with a famous father, she did not follow him into professional acting. Her career has remained focused on education.
Taina’s Relationship With Her Father
Taina has shared several public posts showing her close connection with Jimmy.
On Father’s Day in June 2019, she posted a photo of him and called him “My Hero.” A month later, she celebrated his birthday by sharing an older black-and-white picture.
In June 2021, Taina shared a photo of Jimmy beside his Hollywood Walk of Fame star and expressed pride in his achievement.
Jimmy also reunited with his children and extended family around the New York premiere of In the Heights in 2021. He described seeing his family again as an incredible experience.
Taina Smits’s Brother
Taina’s brother is Joaquin Smits.
Both siblings were identified in contemporary reports about their parents’ divorce. Joaquin has maintained a private life, and little reliable information is available about his education, career, or relationships.
Does Taina Smits Have Children?
Taina is reported to have two children.
She has kept information about them private. Their names, ages, and dates of birth are not available in the supplied sources.
Taina’s husband or current partner has also not been publicly identified in the available information.
Social Media
Taina has used social media to share parts of her professional and family life.
Her posts have included school theater activities, rehearsals, teaching, family moments, and tributes to her father.
One source says her X account had been inactive since 2022. However, other public activity connected with her professional life was documented in 2025.
What Is Taina Smits Doing Now?
As of August 2026, Taina remained connected with Glasgow Middle School and Fairfax County Public Schools.
The school listed her as a Theatre Arts Teacher, making education and student theater her clearest documented current professional activities.
Taina Smits’s Net Worth
Taina Smits’s personal net worth is not reliably known.
There is no verified information about her assets, investments, property, or other personal wealth. Her father’s wealth should not be treated as her own.
Interesting Facts
- She is the daughter of Jimmy and Barbara Smits.
- Her brother is Joaquin Smits.
- She has a strong connection to Brooklyn, New York.
- She attended Duquesne University from 1992 to 1996.
- She earned a bachelor’s degree in English/Education.
- She previously studied journalism.
- She works for Fairfax County Public Schools.
- She has taught English and theater.
- She has directed middle-school theater productions.
- She has worked at Glasgow Middle School.
- She served as a youth oratorical competition judge.
- She called Jimmy Smits her hero in a 2019 post.
- She is reported to be a mother of two.
- Her exact age, relationship status, and net worth are not publicly confirmed.
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