Michael Talbott As Stanley “Stan” Switek
Detective Stanley “Stan” Switek worked as an undercover agent in the Organized Crime Bureau, Vice Division. He was the partner of Detective Larry Zito, but their partnership was cut short when Zito was killed. Not much is known about Switek’s life before Vice, but it’s clear that he had had some experience with army equipment before.
Despite his comedic and lighthearted style, Switek eventually found himself descending into a gambling addiction, which deeply affected the course of his life. His partner’s death took quite a toll on him and ended up putting him in over $100,000 in debt after gambling his money away in a fit of depression and alcoholism.
Pam Grier As Valerie Gordon
Actress Pam Grier assumed the role of Valerie Gordon, a tough and hard-working detective, who worked as an officer with the NYPD. Gordon often assisted Vice in dealing with various cases and appeared in three episodes throughout the show. One of her main cases was that of Frank Sacco, which also ended up being her toughest.
Although Valerie Gordon only appeared briefly on Miami Vice, she had a strong impact that remained throughout the seasons. Her romance with Rico Tubbs was always a fresh change of pace to the show, which is why we’re happy she was called back after more than one season.
Pam Grier– After the show
Pam Grier was doing quite well as an actress before starring in Miami Vice. She was cast in various other crime and drama shows over the years, including, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The L Word, and Smallville.
The actress is also known as “The Queen of Blaxploitation”, and never shies away from discussing uncomfortable topics. She recently appeared as Grandma in the highly successful drama film This is Us. Grier also had a part as herself in Activision's futuristic first-person-shooter Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare.
Michael Talbott– After the show
Michael Talbott mostly retired from acting after the show ended, and was nowhere to be seen after the mid-'90s. He had a very strong impact on the show, and will always be remembered for the role of Stan Switek. The actor often attends conventions and signings, making him one of the more accessible actors from the ‘80s.
Talbott is a huge fan of the 2nd Amendment, and often advocates and speaks out for the National Rifle Association. Talbott is also a spokesman for Panteao Productions, a production company specializing in guns. He’s supposedly located in Iowa at the moment and enjoys his privacy more than anything else.
Julia Roberts As Polly Wheeler
One of Julia Roberts' first roles was as Polly Wheeler, assistant to the terrifying but suave drug lord, Miguel Manolo. Wheeler helped him run an art gallery, which was actually a front for his illegal activities. The actress appeared in just one episode of the show called "Mirror Image".
It's hard to believe that Roberts went on to become such a successful actress after the show, which just makes her brief appearance as an unknown actress all the more special. She was quite enamored by Sonny Burnett, Detective Crockett's alter ego. It’s a shame that Roberts’ character’s fate was never revealed on the show after her boss got killed by Vice since she had such a great role.