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Sam Waterston is bidding farewell to Law & Order, and the series is set to welcome an actor with a presidential background to its cast.
In a Friday announcement, NBC revealed that Tony Goldwyn, known for his role in Scandal, will be joining the enduring crime drama. This comes as Waterston, who has been an integral part of the series for over 30 years and has appeared in more than 400 episodes, departs from his iconic role.
At the age of 83, Sam Waterston has gracefully embodied the iconic character of District Attorney Jack McCoy on NBC's procedural drama since its fifth season in 1994, persisting through its initial cancellation in 2010. As he prepares to take his final bow, his farewell episode is scheduled to air on Feb. 22. Throughout his remarkable tenure as DA McCoy, Waterston's stellar performance earned him a SAG Award, along with multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations, underscoring his significant contribution to the success of the long-running series.
At the age of 63, Tony Goldwyn is set to make his mark on Law & Order as the newest District Attorney, yet to be named, joining the ranks of series regulars Hugh Dancy, Camryn Manheim, Odelya Halevi, Mehcad Brooks, and Reid Scott. Best known for his role as President Fitzgerald Grant on Scandal opposite Kerry Washington from 2012 to 2018, Goldwyn brings a wealth of acting experience to the long-running crime drama.
Goldwyn's career includes a breakout role in the 1990 film Ghost, where he portrayed the scheming and swindling friend of Patrick Swayze's character, Sam Wheat, and his wife Molly, played by Demi Moore. Additionally, he graced the Broadway stage in 2018, featuring in the production of Network alongside Bryan Cranston.
Beyond his acting prowess, Goldwyn has showcased his talents as an accomplished director. His directorial credits include A Walk on the Moon, The Last Kiss, Someone Like You, Conviction, and the upcoming feature Ezra. With a diverse and successful career both in front of and behind the camera, Goldwyn's addition to Law & Order promises to bring a fresh perspective to the series.
Reflecting on his decision to reprise his role, Waterston admitted to having mixed feelings about returning to familiar territory. He pondered whether he had already exhausted the character's potential and questioned the necessity of revisiting the role. However, he ultimately embraced the idea, considering it at least worth a try.
In an interview with USA TODAY at the time, Waterston shared his thoughts, saying, "I was of two minds about whether to do it or not. I asked myself, 'Hadn't I already done this? And really did I need to be doing it again?' But I came around to the idea that it was at least worth a try." Stepping onto the set once again brought a mix of nostalgia and novelty for the veteran actor. He remarked, "And when I stepped on the set, it was new, but it was the exact same set we had been working on 12 years ago. It made the hairs on my arm stand up." This blend of familiarity and renewed excitement showcased Waterston's dedication to his craft and the enduring legacy of Law & Order.
In 2022, series creator and producer Dick Wolf expressed to USA TODAY that the decision to bring back Sam Waterston to Law & Order was an unequivocal choice.
"Fortunately, we never had to face that question," Wolf conveyed in an email statement. "It was always my intent to have Sam return. I'm glad he said yes." Wolf's unequivocal enthusiasm for Waterston's return emphasized the integral role the veteran actor plays in the fabric of Law & Order and affirmed the seamless integration of the beloved character back into the narrative fold. The creator's affirmation reflected the enduring collaboration between Waterston and the series, underscoring the significance of his presence in the show's legacy.
Sam Waterston, renowned for his guest appearances as McCoy on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and his seven-season portrayal of Sol Bergstein in the Netflix series "Grace and Frankie," is set to relinquish his role at the helm of the DA's office.
To fill this significant void, actor Tony Goldwyn, known for his role in "Scandal," has been cast as the new District Attorney. Goldwyn, 63, brings a wealth of acting experience, having played roles such as Gordon in "Oppenheimer," Ben Lefevre in the Netflix drama fantasy series "Chambers," and Carl Bruner in the iconic film "Ghost." This casting decision marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Law & Order, as a new character steps into the prominent role previously occupied by Waterston's Jack McCoy. The transition introduces a fresh dynamic to the series, setting the stage for new narratives and character interactions under Goldwyn's capable portrayal.