Sam Waterston on “Law & Order”.Photo: Michael Greenberg/NBC
The 83-year-old actor revealed on Wednesday’sTodaythat he feels “fine” about no longer playing District Attorney Jack McCoy after three decades as part of the NBC procedural.
“I knew I was going to leave when I came back, and it was just a matter of when,” he said referring tohis 2022 return to the series. “This was a beautiful way to go I have to say.”
He added that he has no plans to reprise the role in the future after his final episode airs on Thursday but teased that fans might “see a picture of him somewhere” on the show.
Sam Waterston attends NBC’s “Law & Order” Season Premiere at Capitale on September 19, 2022 in New York City.Rob Kim/Getty
The actor starred inLaw & Orderfrom season 5 in 1994 until its finale in 2010, earning three Emmy Award nominations for his performance in 1997, 1999 and 2000, as well as a Golden Globe nod in 1995. He’s continued to portray DA McCoy on a few occasions before his return in 2022.
Earlier this month, NBC announced thatScandalalumTony Goldwynwill bejoining the long-running crime dramaas Waterston steps away after more than 400 episodes in character.
Sam Waterston as DA Jack McCoy on “Law & Order” and Tony Goldwyn.Will Hart/NBC; Amy Sussman/Getty
Will Hart/NBC; Amy Sussman/Getty
Waterston shared his excitement for the new addition to the cast, saying, “I think he’s going to be great. You know, my reputation is in terrible danger, because I think he’s just going to be wonderful and I’ll be watching. But I think… it’s going to be big trouble. It’ll be what the DA is: demanding….”
As for Waterson, he teased there is “not a chance” that he is retiring from acting afterLaw & Order. He added that his manager and “fabulous wife are in charge of finding me my next job. I’m not worrying about it.”
The actr admitted that he is enjoying his newfound flexibility after he wrapped filming the series.
Tijuana Ricks as Police Commissioner Hanlon and Sam Waterston as D.A. Jack McCoy on “Law & Order”.Peter Kramer/NBC
Peter Kramer/NBC
“Even during hiatus, even on breaks… It’s a wonderful thing to look through the world from somebody else’s eyes, and that’s what an actor sort of gets to do,” he continued. “But it’s also restricting. Now it’s my own eyes. I like it.”
He joked the change has made him “drunk on just the freedom” and admitted his bucket list is now “a million miles long.”
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Law & Orderairs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
source: people.com
