Ep 10. Cast of Law & Order

Inside the Actors Studio is a long-running television show that delves deep into the craft of acting. Each episode features an in-depth interview with an industry veteran or rising star, exploring their techniques, inspirations, and personal journey. In season 12 episode 10, the spotlight is on the esteemed cast of Law & Order.

For 20 years, Law & Order was one of the most popular and enduring shows on television, setting the standard for police procedural dramas. The cast of the show is legendary, with each actor bringing their own unique energy and skill to their roles. In this episode of Inside the Actors Studio, host James Lipton welcomes five of the show's key players to discuss their experiences on the series.

First up is S. Epatha Merkerson, who played Lieutenant Anita Van Buren for 17 seasons. Merkerson talks about the challenges of playing a police officer and how she drew from her own personal experiences to bring truth to her performance. She also discusses her transition from stage to screen and the path that led her to Law & Order.

Next, Lipton welcomes Michael Moriarty, who played Assistant District Attorney Ben Stone for the first four seasons of Law & Order. Moriarty is an accomplished actor both on stage and screen, and he talks about the demands of the fast-paced shooting schedule of the show. He also reflects on his controversial departure from Law & Order, which was caused by creative differences with the show's producers.

Third in the hot seat is Sam Waterston, who played Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy for over 16 seasons. Waterston is one of the most respected actors in the business, with a career spanning decades and countless memorable roles. He discusses the challenges of playing a character for such a long time and the nuances of portraying a prosecutor in the legal system.

Fourth up is Jerry Orbach, who played Detective Lennie Briscoe for 12 seasons before his untimely death in 2004. Orbach was one of the show's most beloved cast members, and Lipton and the other guests pay tribute to his talent and legacy. Orbach talks about his approach to playing Briscoe and how he balanced the character's wit and humor with the gravity of the show's subject matter.

Finally, Lipton sits down with Chris Noth, who played Detective Mike Logan for six seasons before leaving to star in his own spinoff series, Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Noth talks about the origin of his character and how he brought his own personal experiences as a New Yorker to his performance. He also reflects on the impact that Law & Order had on his career and the legacy of the show on television as a whole.

Throughout the episode, the guests share their insights into the process of acting and the challenges of playing complex characters in a long-running series. They also share their thoughts on the impact of Law & Order on television and the way that the show influenced the landscape of crime dramas for years to come. It's a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of the most iconic shows in television history and a must-watch for fans of the genre.