In his role of “Dutch” on the edgy FX police drama “The Shield,” (2002 - ) Jay Karnes stood out as the lone academic, the bookish detective on the receiving end of practical jokes and cold shoulders of the tough cops in the department. That is, until they came to him for help in profiling killers and shaking down suspects by using brains instead of brawn.

Karnes fit the role nicely. His nuanced, realistic performance - coupled with his everyday looks and rumpled wardrobe – provided a sharp contrast with the standard square-jawed authority figures featured in most cop shows.

Born and raised