It’s a sad day.
Sam Waterston’s Jack McCoy character has taped his final episode of “Law & Order.”
We’ve known he was leaving the iconic show since a Feb. 22 episode, when McCoy says to ADA Nolan, (Hugh Dancy) that it is time he leaves the job.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while. It’s time, it just is,” his character said, adding, “If I step aside now, the governor will be able to appoint someone — someone with integrity.”
He concludes: “It’s been a hell of a ride.”
Waterston, 83, has appeared on the show since 1994. According to IMDb he has appeared in 405 episodes of the show
As himself, Waterston said in a statement that it was time for him to move on.
“Greetings, you wonderful people. It’s a pleasure to talk directly like this to the backbone of Law & Order’s absolutely amazing audience,” he wrote. “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. 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.”
The new district attorney will be played by former Presidential character, Tony Goldwyn, who will appear in a March 14 episode.