Sam Waterston tells Law & Order fans he’s “ready to move on” after three decades

After spending almost 30 years on the hit series Law & Order, Sam Waterson has announced his official departure from his role.

Two of the most defining aspects of the Law & Order series are its infamous “Dun Dun” during a scene change and the no-nonsense performance by Sam Waterston.

Waterston was introduced as the character of Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy in the Season 5 premiere of Law & Order in 1994 and has religiously played the role on both the original series and its various spin-offs for decades.

However, it seems like Waterston has realized it is time to fly the coop as he announced that he would be handing the reigns of being DA to another actor after his final role later this month.

Waterson thanks Law & Order fans for 30 years of support

The L&O veteran penned a lengthy statement to fans of the series who supported his tenure through the original series’ 1990-2010 run all the way through his casting in the revival of L&O in 2022.

“Greetings, you wonderful people. It’s a pleasure to talk directly like this to the backbone of Law & Order’s absolutely amazing audience,” Waterston 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 comeback, is all thanks to you and 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.”

Law & Order executive producer Peter Jankowski praised Waterston’s dedication to McCoy’s legacy stating, “There are all these incredible artists who also are tremendous leaders. You can’t make shows without people like that.”

After Waterston exits the show later this month, the role of Manhattan District Attorney will be taken over by Tony Goldwyn, who is best known for his work as President Fitzgerald Grant III on Shonda Rimes’ hit series Scandal.

With Waterston exiting the series, the last two remaining OG Law & Order franchise cast members are Law & Order: SVU’s Markisa Hargitay and Chris Meloni (1999-present).