Brooklyn-Born Jimmy Smits to Lead Baz Luhrmann's Netflix Series THE GET DOWN

Deadline writes that Jimmy Smits will star in Baz Lurhmann's upcoming Netflix series THE GET DOWN.

THE GET DOWN will focus on 1970s New York City -- broken down and beaten up, violent, cash strapped -- dying. Consigned to rubble, a rag-tag crew of South Bronx teenagers are nothings and nobodies with no one to shelter them -- except each other, armed only with verbal games, improvised dance steps, some magic markers and spray cans. From Bronx tenements, to the SoHo art scene; from CBGBs to Studio 54 and even the glass towers of the just-built World Trade Center, The Get Down is a mythic saga of how New York at THE BRINK of bankruptcy gave birth to hip-hop, punk and disco -- told through the lives and music of the South Bronx kids who changed the city, and the world...forever.

Smits will take on the role of 'Francisco Cruz' aka 'Papa Fuerte', described as "a South Bronx political boss who delivers services the City fails to provide -- jobs, housing, healthcare, etc. A big man with brass, he navigates downtown politics the same way he handles his uptown turf -- with ease and a touch of deception. Whether it's his niece's desire for disco stardom or a recent immigrants struggle to grab a hold of the American dream, if you want something in the neighborhood, you come to Papa Fuerte."

"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."

Also recently announced, iconic founding father of hip hop Grandmaster Flash will serve as associate producer and advisor for the series. In addition, Mamoudou Athie will portray Grandmaster Flash in the series. Although the young people in the coming-of-age story of The Get Down are fictitious, every now and then, they encounter historical figures along the way, including Flash. Athie, 27, is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and made his stage debut this past season opposite Diane Lane and Tony Shalhoub in the Lincoln Center production of THE MYSTERY OF LOVE AND SEX.

Previously announced cast members include Justice Smith ("Ezekiel"), Shameik Moore ("Shaolin Fantastic"), Skylan Brooks ("Ra Ra"), Herizen Guardiola ("Mylene Cruz") and Tremaine Brown, Jr. ("Boo Boo").

Luhrmann will direct the first two episodes and the season finale and serve as executive producer. The series is also executive produced by Catherine Martin, Paul Watters, Thomas Kelly, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Shawn Ryan and Marney Hochman.

The 13-episode music-driven drama from Sony Pictures Television will debut in all Netflix territories in 2016.

Smits was born and raised in Brooklyn and has appeared on Broadway in GOD OF CARNAGE and ANNA IN THE TROPICS. Among his TV credits are SONS OF ANARCHY, OUTLAW, DEXTER, CANE, THE WEST WING, NYPD BLUE and more.

Photo Credit: RD / Orchon / Retna Digital

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