Sam Waterston exits ‘Law & Order’ after 400+ episodes, Tony Goldwyn set to replace
Waterston joined the Dick Wolf mothership series in 1994. He remained a main cast member until the show’s original run came to an end in 2010.
District Attorney Jack McCoy is out. Sam Waterston is exiting “Law & Order” after more than 400 episodes. His last episode will air on Thursday, Feb. 22. Tony Goldwyn, best known for his role as Fitz in ABC’s “Scandal,” has been cast as the new district attorney.
Waterston joined the Dick Wolf mothership series in 1994. He remained a main cast member until the show’s original run came to an end in 2010. When the show was revived for its 21st season in 2022, he stepped back into the role. He’s also played the character on “Law & Order: SVU,” “Law & Order: Trial by Jury” and “Exited: A Law & Order Movie.”
Following the news, Waterston shared a statement regarding his exit, beginning with, “Greetings, you wonderful people.”
It’s a pleasure to talk directly like this to the backbone of Law & Order’s absolutely amazing audience. 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,” he wrote. “An actor doesn’t want to let himself get too comfortable. I’m more grateful to you than I can say. L&O’s continuing and amazing long run, along with its astounding come-back, is all thanks to you and to Dick Wolf, but for whose vision, patience, perseverance, and unique combination of creative and business talents, none of this would have happened. I feel very blessed. I hope to see you all on the flip side.”
Waterston, who has been a mainstay in the entertainment industry for decades, earned three Emmy nominations for the role and 11 SAG nominations, winning one in 1998.
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