New York, NY – Sam Waterston, best known for his role as DA Jack McCoy on the long-running NBC series “Law & Order,” is stepping down from the show after more than 400 episodes.
His departure from “Law & Order” will be on February 22, and Tony Goldwyn, will be replacing him as the new district attorney. Waterston, who has been part of the show on and off for nearly three decades, originally joined the cast in the fourth season in 1994 and is the longest-running cast member in the show’s 23-season history.
In a statement, Waterston expressed his gratitude and the sadness that comes with leaving the show, but he also expressed his excitement for what the future holds, stating, “The time has come for me to move on and take Jack McCoy with me. There’s sadness in leaving, but I’m just too curious about what’s next. An actor doesn’t want to let himself get too comfortable.”
It may come as a surprise to fans, as Waterston had previously expressed his enthusiasm for the revival of “Law & Order,” stating, “I wondered whether I hadn’t already done this and shouldn’t go back. But I couldn’t stand the idea of somebody else doing it and me watching from the sidelines, so I gave it a try and I’m having a wonderful time.”
“Law & Order” has been a staple on NBC for years, and its latest season has averaged 6.4 million viewers on Thursday nights. The show also stars Mehcad Brooks, Camryn Manheim, Hugh Dancy, and Odelya Halevi. The departure of Sam Waterston marks the end of an era for the iconic series.
Goldwyn, known for his role on ABC’s “Scandal,” is no stranger to television. His addition to the cast of “Law & Order” is sure to bring a new dynamic to the long-running show. It will be interesting to see how the audience reacts to this change in the upcoming episodes.