Longest-serving ‘Law & Order’ actor exits after 400 episodes!

The longest-running cast member of Law & Order is being removed from the series after appearing in 400 episodes. Sam Waterston’s character, Manhattan DA Jack McCoy, wrapped up his last case on Thursday’s episode of the show before stepping down.

Despite this, he remained dedicated to seeking justice until the very end. Tony Goldwyn will now take over his role as DA Nicholas Baxter.

In his final episode titled Last Dance, Waterston’s character, Jack McCoy, took on a high-profile case involving a tech billionaire named Scott Kelton (Rob Benedict).

Kelton was accused of killing a woman named Veronica Knight in Central Park, whom he had allegedly assaulted at a company retreat six years prior.

The Longest-Running Cast Member Exits Law & Order

In the episode, detectives Shaw (Mehcad Brooks) and Reily (Reid Scott), arrested Kelton and brought him in. The case then landed on the desk of ADA Nolan Price (Hugh Dancy).

But, in typical Law & Order fashion, there’s a twist: Kelton happens to be close friends with New York Mayor Payne (Bruce Altman).

The mayor backs McCoy’s re-election bid but has a condition: McCoy can’t go after the mayor’s son, who might have evidence against Kelton.

McCoy says politics won’t affect their work, telling Nolan to make sure Kelton gets convicted. When Mayor Payne pressures Nolan and threatens him over his son, McCoy steps in and handles the case himself.

This decision angers the mayor, who hints at withdrawing support for McCoy’s reelection campaign. Despite the mayor’s influence, McCoy refuses to be swayed and decides to proceed independently. He then presents the case against Kelton in court, showcasing his skills as the lead prosecutor.

The jury finds Kelton guilty of second-degree murder, but McCoy doesn’t feel victorious. Later, in McCoy’s office, he drops a bombshell by telling Nolan:

“I tendered my resignation 20 minutes ago. I’ve been thinking about this for a while. It’s time, it just is. The mayor is a vindictive SOB. He’s going to call in every chit he has to make sure my opponent wins the election and he will succeed. Then, he’s going to bury everyone who wronged him, including you [Nolan]. If I step aside now, then the governor will be able to appoint someone with integrity.”

McCoy then continues, toasting his glass to Dancy, “It’s been a helluva ride.” In the episode’s closing scene, it’s nighttime. McCoy, dressed in his hat and coat, holding his briefcase, looks up at the courthouse with a thoughtful expression. He walks away quietly, maintaining his dignity, while the camera pans upward toward the top of the courthouse.

Sam Waterston Exits Law & Order to Pursue New Opportunities

Earlier this month, Sam Waterston issued a statement announcing, he’s leaving the show after playing Jack McCoy since 1994 to pursue new opportunities. He noted (via Deadline): 

“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.”

Waterston is the second actor to leave season 23. Reid Scott joined the cast as Detective Vincent Riley, replacing Jeffrey Donovan, who played Detective Frank Cosgrove and didn’t return.