Jimmy Smits

Each year as America celebrates its birthday, few celebrations are as rife with emotion, inclusiveness and patriotic goodness as A Capitol Fourth, the PBS special that broadcasts from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

A Capitol Fourth "reflects a tapestry of what this country is, just in terms of the music alone," says Jimmy Smits, who is repeating as host of the special.

Canada's nice, too — check our list of favorite TV stars from the Great White North

Among the music acts helping the U.S. of A. turn a spry 233 this year are Barry Manilow, Aretha ... read more 1 Comment

Jimmy Smits' run on Dexter was both short and sweet, presenting as it did a choice opportunity for the Emmy-winning actor. "It was one of the great rewards to be able to do that show," Smits shares in this TVGuide.com video Q&A.

As Season 3's ill-fated ADA Miguel Prado, Smits welcomed the chance to offer a fresh spin on what could have been just another officious and entitled politician-type — especially as he grew closer (and darkly so) with Michael C. Hall's titular killer. "They asked if I'm ready to be challenged," Smits recalls ... read more 2 Comments

Read the complete Cheer — and discuss and vote on it — after the jump. read more 4 Comments