Claim: Jamie Foxx is a performer.

Detective Ricardo `` Rico '' Tubbs is a fictional character from the Miami Vice television series and film of the same name . He is portrayed in all his appearances in the television series by Philip Michael Thomas , and in the film by Jamie Foxx . Tubbs is an undercover detective for the Metro-Dade Police Department 's Organized Crime Bureau , having relocated to Miami from New York City in order to track down his brother 's murderer . For the duration of the series , Tubbs is partnered with fellow undercover detective James `` Sonny '' Crockett , portrayed by Don Johnson ; in the film , he is again partnered with Colin Farrell 's Crockett .   The character made his first appearance in `` Brother 's Keeper '' , the pilot episode of the series , broadcast on 16 September 1984 ; and went on to appear in all but one of the series ' 111 episodes . Thomas ' portrayal of the role was well received by fans and critics , and earned the actor a People 's Choice Award and a Golden Globe Award nomination . The character would go on to become a fashion icon , and helped to set a trend for Miami Vice-related clothing .