Sam Waterston is leaving “Law & Order” after 30 years and 400 episodes with the franchise, Wolf Entertainment announced Friday.
The 83-year-old joined the drama series in its fifth season in 1994, stayed until it went off the air in 2010, and returned for the 2022 reboot. He has earned a SAG Award and Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his role as Jack McCoy, a brilliant if irascible prosecutor who bows to no one but Lady Justice.
Waterston's final episode of McCoy will be on Feb. 22, NBC said Friday. Tony Goldwyn, best known for his role as President Fitzgerald “Fitz” Grant on ABC’s “Scandal,” has been chosen as the new district attorney.
Waterston said goodbye to the show's fans in a heartfelt way. statement posted on Wolf Entertainment's website Friday.
“It's sad to leave, but I'm too curious to know what's next. An actor doesn't want to get too comfortable,” Waterston said. “I am more grateful to you than I can say. L&O's continued amazing long run, along with its amazing comeback, is all thanks to you and Dick Wolf, but because of whose vision, patience, perseverance and unique combination of creative and business talents, none of this would have happened. I feel very blessed.”
He ended his statement by saying, “I hope to see you all on the other side.”
