By Jeremy Murphy
Photograph by John Filo
Styling by Angelique O’Neil

On CSI: Miami, David Caruso’s portrayal of police Lieutenant Horatio Caine is complex, charismatic and dynamic. And while nobody growls better than Caine, off screen Miami resident Caruso is more likely to purr.

Why? His top-rated series is set in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan playgrounds. He’s enjoying fatherhood for the second time. And he gets to walk among the clouds in exotic locales.

Watch! met with the star at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach for a freewheeling discussion about the show’s success and future, jet-setting around the globe and where to get the best gelato in Miami.

WATCH!: CSI: Miami is an international hit. Why do people respond to it so well?
David Caruso: The secret is the city of Miami. It’s truly an international place. Our goal was to capture that feeling and to make it an identifiable show for the world, because the world literally crosses paths in Miami.

W: It’s evident that you’re very passionate about the show—not just about playing Horatio, but also about the storytelling and direction.
DC: Our executive producers are gracious enough to allow me to help shape what we’re doing—and also share the information I have about Miami because I moved here number of years ago. We’re in an exciting place where we’re beginning to shape the show for the future. We started our season internationally from Brazil, and it really felt like the beginning of something new for us.

W: Do you see yourself getting more involved in the behind-the-scenes direction in an official capacity?
DC: I think I’m in a unique position. It’s truly a collaborative experience: If someone comes in with something, it’s listened to—it’s not always used, but it’s added when it’s working. I’m also able to share my objective view of the show. You know, when I came back from a trip we took to Spain when the show went international, I shared that experience with [Executive Producer Ann Donahue]. I said, “Ann, we seem to be striking a chord internationally with people.” So, I think that my—for lack of a better term objective position may have some value … I can be out on a point and be a “scout” for the show.

W: What was filming in Brazil like?
DC: Very powerful. It was a testament to the courage of Ann Donahue. She went to the network and said, “We’re thinking of going to Brazil—extraditing this bad guy.” And in her back pocket was the unfinished story of Elaina, who escaped to Brazil. So there were those two loose ends. It was a very bold move by CBS to try it.

I think it’s the start of a whole new world for us in which we hopefully get to embrace our fans and our family around the world. When I was in Cannes for a television conference, there was an acknowledgment of the show’s success internationally. It really became clear to us that we had to go far—and just not talk about it. To actually go to these locations—to capture the authenticity of being at the feet of the Corcovado—it was the most magical experience. The city of Rio de Janeiro let us have the Corcovado for an hour, so we were up there at 7 a.m. The sun was rising, and we were above the clouds. It was amazing.

W: So where do you see CSI: Miami going next?
DC: There is a location that has been highlighted for us that’s in the Middle East. We would love to explore that possibility, and we have a story brewing that would take us there. There are a number of ideas after that—but it’s my fantasy to kind of investigate the other hemisphere now.

W: How has the character of Horatio Caine evolved since you started playing him?
DC: For the first half of the journey, his instincts had him drawn to people in distress. I think his forte—one of his strengths—is understanding people’s pain and helping people process these terrible pains that we deal with on a week-to-week basis.

Now Horatio has dipped into his own experiences—his own tragedy—and his empathy for the family of victims has grown exponentially. He has suffered a great loss, and it has really colored his journey. Every episode has a deep sense of the loss of Marisol. One of the things we’re working on this year is [his] dealing with grief.

W: What is it about living in Miami that excites you?
DC: It’s truly an international place. Miami is also a city that allows you to do what you want in a creative way—it’s a very creative city. People support you; they’ll help you. It’s a very interesting place in that respect. And if you take the exotic beauty and add the soulfulness and the sincerity of the people, you have an amazing city.

W: Any local favorites?
DC: Well, there’s The Ritz Carlton, South Beach, which is a beautiful hotel. I’m [also] a Lincoln Road guy. You know, I’m pushing the baby carriage on Lincoln Road, and I go to Rosinella’s, which is owned by an Italian family that came from Rome. Rosinella, who is the mama—she’s 80 years old—refuses to learn English. And she owns four restaurants! I had to bring the little guy in to get her blessing … to get Mama’s blessing. It was a big deal. My son has got an Italian last name, so they really embraced him. Rosinella’s a big deal for us. That’s kind of our foundation. I’m a fan of Doraku Sushi on Lincoln Road, as well.

W: How has having a baby changed your life?
DC: Well, it’s my second time around. I have a wonderful 22-year-old daughter. She just graduated from college, which is fantastic. I love being a parent. I think it’s the core of who I am. I am a parent. Something clicks for me around a child. Getting up early, the breakfasts, the books … I love all that. That’s good for me.

When I take the baby out, I bring him to Baci for Italian ice cream. The first time he had it, he wasn’t sure what it was. He kind of pushed it away. But I got a little of it on his upper lip, and he went insane. His mouth was as big as the Grand Canyon. He went crazy—he put his face in it. It was great.

W: Finally, the season premiere ratings were great. How gratifying was that?
DC: It meant a lot to us. As I say, the Brazil story line was a very bold undertaking by CBS, and I’m glad it went well. The show was rewarded—and the network was rewarded with some nice numbers. They went out on a limb and supported us.