Is Sam Waterston Leaving Law and Order? Why is Sam Waterston Leaving Law and Order?
by Mathelene | Updated Feb 07, 2024
Is Sam Waterston Leaving Law and Order?
Yes, Sam Waterston is leaving Law & Order. He's been playing District Attorney Jack McCoy for a long time, more than 400 episodes in fact. His last episode will be on February 22nd. He first joined the show in 1994 for its fifth season and came back when it was revived in 2022.
During his time on the show, he won awards like the SAG Award and got nominated for others like the Golden Globe and Emmys. In a statement from Law & Order's production company, Wolf Entertainment, Waterston talked about why he's leaving. He said it's because he wants to try new things and not get too comfortable.
He thanked the fans for their support and praised the creator of the show, Dick Wolf, for making it all happen. After Waterston leaves, Tony Goldwyn, known for his role in Scandal, will take over as the new district attorney. Other stars on the show include Hugh Dancy, Camryn Manheim, Odelya Halevi, Mehcad Brooks, and Reid Scott.
Why is Sam Waterston Leaving Law and Order?
Sam Waterston is leaving Law & Order because he wants to explore new opportunities and challenges in his acting career. After being a part of the show for many years and appearing in over 400 episodes, he feels it's time to move on. Despite feeling sad about leaving, Waterston believes that it's important for actors not to get too comfortable in one role and to keep pushing themselves creatively.
In a statement, Waterston expressed his gratitude to the show's dedicated audience and credited the creator of Law & Order, Dick Wolf, for its success. He thanked everyone involved in the show and said he feels blessed to have been a part of it. Following his departure, Tony Goldwyn will take over the role of the district attorney. Waterston's exit marks the end of an era for Law & Order, but the show continues to entertain viewers with its talented cast and compelling stories.
Who is Sam Waterston in Law and Order?
In Law & Order, Sam Waterston plays the character John James McCoy, also known as Jack McCoy. McCoy is a fictional district attorney in the television drama created by Dick Wolf and Michael S. Chernuchin. Waterston has portrayed McCoy since the show's original run from 1994 to 2010 and its revival in 2022.
McCoy is a central figure in the series, serving as a key player in the legal proceedings and often driving the pursuit of justice. He holds the distinction of being the longest-serving character on the show, appearing in 18 seasons and featuring in numerous episodes across various spin-offs and related projects.
Waterston's portrayal of McCoy has been widely acclaimed, earning him accolades and recognition, including being declared a "Living Landmark" by the New York Landmarks Conservancy, alongside fellow cast member Jerry Orbach.
Who is Sam Waterston?
Samuel Atkinson Waterston is an American actor renowned for his performances in theater, television, and film. Over his five-decade-long career, Waterston has garnered numerous awards and nominations, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
He's also been recognized with nominations for an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and a BAFTA Award. In 2010, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, followed by induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2012. Waterston began his acting journey studying at the Sorbonne in Paris and the American Actors Workshop.
He made his mark on the New York stage, starring in various Shakespearean revivals and productions at the Public Theatre. Notable Broadway performances include his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in "Abe Lincoln in Illinois," which earned him a Tony Award nomination.
In film, Waterston's roles range from Nick Carraway in "The Great Gatsby" to Sydney Schanberg in "The Killing Fields," garnering critical acclaim. However, he gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Jack McCoy in the long-running NBC series "Law & Order," earning him a Screen Actors Guild Award and multiple nominations. He's also appeared in notable TV series such as "The Newsroom" and "Grace and Frankie," showcasing his versatility and talent across various mediums.
Full Name
Samuel Atkinson Waterston
Date of Birth
November 15, 1940
Place of Birth
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Occupation
Actor
Known For
Portraying District Attorney Jack McCoy on Law & Order
Education
- Groton School (High School) - Yale College (Bachelor of Arts)
Awards
- Primetime Emmy Award - Golden Globe Award - Screen Actors Guild Award - Tony Award nomination - Academy Award nomination - BAFTA Award nomination
Spouses
Barbara Rutledge Johns (m. 1964; div. 1975)
Lynn Louisa Woodruff (m. 1976)
Sam Waterston Age
As of 2024, Sam Waterston is 83 years old. Sam Waterston was born on November 15, 1940 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the third child among four siblings: Roberta, George, and Ellen Waterston. His mother, Alice Tucker, was an English landscape painter and a descendant of Mayflower passengers, while his father, George Chychele Waterston, was a language teacher and semanticist who came to the U.S. from Scotland through England.
Sam went to Groton School for high school and graduated in 1958. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College in 1962. Growing up, Sam was part of a family with diverse talents and backgrounds. His mother's artistic lineage and his father's linguistic expertise likely influenced his own pursuits in acting and theater.
Despite coming from a privileged background, Sam's education and career achievements reflect his dedication and hard work. His time at Groton School and Yale College laid the foundation for his future success in the entertainment industry.
Sam Waterston Career
Sam Waterston's career began with stage performances, making his Broadway debut in 1962 and later appearing in various productions. He ventured into film in 1965 with "The Plastic Dome of Norma Jean" and continued his stage work alongside supporting roles in movies like "Fitzwilly" and "Generation."
Notably, he starred in "Indians" on Broadway in 1969. Waterston gained recognition with roles in films such as "The Great Gatsby" (1974) and "The Killing Fields" (1984), earning Golden Globe nominations. He collaborated with Woody Allen on several projects and portrayed Abraham Lincoln in "Lincoln" (1988).
However, Waterston's most iconic role came in 1994 when he joined the cast of "Law & Order" as Executive Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy. He remained with the show for 20 seasons, receiving acclaim and awards for his performance. Beyond "Law & Order," he appeared in TV series like "The Newsroom" and "Grace and Frankie," as well as in films such as "Godless" and "On the Basis of Sex."
On February 2, 2024, it was announced that Waterston would be leaving "Law & Order," with Tony Goldwyn set to replace him as the district attorney.
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Law and Order
Law & Order is a popular American TV show created by Dick Wolf and produced by Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television. It first aired on NBC on September 13, 1990, and wrapped up its original 20-season run on May 24, 2010. After an 11-year break, NBC announced the show's revival for a 21st season, which premiered on February 24, 2022, featuring returning stars like Sam Waterston and Anthony Anderson.
The series, set and filmed in New York City, follows a unique format: the first half focuses on police detectives investigating a crime, usually a murder, while the second half deals with the prosecution led by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. Plots often draw inspiration from real-life cases.
Throughout its run, Law & Order has featured a rotating cast, with some long-standing members like Steven Hill, Jerry Orbach, S. Epatha Merkerson, Sam Waterston, and Jesse L. Martin. The show's 23 seasons make it one of the longest-running scripted primetime series in American TV history, second only to its spin-off Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Its success has spawned multiple spin-offs, a TV film, video games, and adaptations worldwide, earning it numerous awards and nominations, including several Emmys.
Is Sam Waterston Leaving Law and Order? - FAQs
Sam Waterston has decided to leave Law & Order to explore new opportunities and challenges in his acting career. He expressed a desire to avoid becoming too comfortable in one role and expressed gratitude to the show's dedicated audience.
Tony Goldwyn, known for his role in Scandal, will replace Sam Waterston as the new district attorney in Law & Order.
Sam Waterston has portrayed District Attorney Jack McCoy on Law & Order for over 400 episodes, spanning multiple seasons since joining the show in its fifth season in 1994.
Besides Law & Order, Sam Waterston has had a distinguished acting career spanning over five decades, with notable roles in theater, film, and television.
Yes, Law & Order will continue with a new district attorney portrayed by Tony Goldwyn. The show will continue to captivate viewers with its compelling storylines and talented cast.