Who Plays in Law & Order? A Comprehensive Look at the Casts Across the Franchise
The Law & Order franchise is a television juggernaut, spanning decades and multiple series. Pinpointing exactly "who plays in Law & Order" requires specifying which series you're interested in, as the casts have changed dramatically over the years. This guide will delve into the main shows and highlight some of their most memorable actors.
Understanding the Law & Order Universe
Before diving into specific cast members, it's crucial to understand the franchise's structure. The original Law & Order (1990-2010) is the cornerstone, focusing on the police investigation and the subsequent prosecution of criminals. Numerous spin-offs have followed, each with its own unique setting and cast, including:
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU): Focuses on the investigation of sexually based offenses. This is the longest-running show in the franchise.
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent (CI): Features detectives working in the Major Case Squad in New York City.
- Law & Order: Organized Crime (OC): A more recent addition, focusing on organized crime in New York City.
- Law & Order: Trial by Jury: A short-lived series focusing on the jury selection and trial process.
Who Played in the Original Law & Order?
The original Law & Order boasted a revolving door of talented actors. While many actors appeared for only a season or two, some became synonymous with the show. Key cast members included:
- Leland Orser: Played the role of Detective Lennie Briscoe for 12 seasons in the original series.
- Benjamin Bratt: Portrayed the role of Detective Reynaldo Curtis.
- Jerry Orbach: Famously played Detective Lennie Briscoe alongside Orser.
- S. Epatha Merkerson: Played the role of Lieutenant Anita Van Buren, a significant character in the series.
- Adam Schiff: A lawyer in the series.
Many other actors made recurring appearances or guest-starred in memorable roles throughout the original series' run. The constant shifting of characters was a key element of the show's long-lasting appeal.
Who Plays in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit?
Law & Order: SVU boasts the longest-running cast in the franchise. Mariska Hargitay, as Detective Olivia Benson, has been a constant presence, becoming one of television's most iconic characters. Other long-standing members include:
- Mariska Hargitay: The cornerstone of SVU, portraying the character of Detective Olivia Benson.
- Christopher Meloni: Played Elliot Stabler for many years, reprising his role in Law & Order: Organized Crime.
- Ice-T: Another key member of the SVU team, portraying the role of Odafin Tutuola.
The cast of SVU, like the original Law & Order, has seen some changes over the years, with actors joining and leaving as the show continues.
Who Plays in Law & Order: Organized Crime?
This newer series features a mix of familiar faces and new talent. The most significant cast member is:
- Christopher Meloni: Reprising his role as Elliot Stabler from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
The cast of Organized Crime is designed to interweave with SVU, creating crossovers and expanding the universe.
Who Plays in Law & Order: Criminal Intent?
Law & Order: Criminal Intent starred Vincent D'Onofrio as Detective Robert Goren. Other notable actors include:
- Vincent D'Onofrio: played Detective Robert Goren, a key character in the series.
- Kathryn Erbe: played Detective Alexandra Eames, alongside Vincent D'Onofrio.
This series featured a more intimate focus, often revolving around the dynamic between the two main detectives.
Finding More Information
To discover further details on specific cast members across the various Law & Order series, you can consult online databases such as IMDb or explore fan-created wikis dedicated to the franchise. These resources provide detailed information on each actor's involvement, character descriptions, and episode appearances.
This overview provides a solid foundation for understanding the extensive cast involved in the various Law & Order series. Remember to specify which show you're interested in for the most accurate and relevant answer.
