Sam Waterston Bids Farewell to Law & Order After 30 Years
Say goodbye to Sam Waterston’s legendary run on Law & Order. The actor, 83, ended his three-decade long portrayal of John James McCoy, or Jack McCoy, on the original Law & Order. In addition to the original series, Sam also made appearances on spin-off shows like Special Victims Unit and Trial by Jury.
From starting as the Executive Assistant District Attorney to being promoted to the District Attorney in 2007, Sam dutifully played the role of Jack McCoy for over 400 episodes. Throughout his time on the show, he won a Screen Actors Guild Award and received numerous Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations for his portrayal.
Jack McCoy’s honorable ending brought the character the closure he deserved. In his final courtroom scene, Jack made a powerful plea to the jury, emphasizing the importance of acting fairly and ethically to find the defendant guilty of murder.
Fans Express Heartfelt Farewells to McCoy
Shortly after Sam’s final episode aired, fans took to social media to express their love and admiration for the iconic character. They conveyed their emotions by expressing gratitude for the sacrifices Jack McCoy made, and how much they would miss the character after such a long run. The outpouring of love on social media was a testament to the impact Sam’s portrayal had on audiences over the years.
A Beautiful Departure
Sam appeared on the Today Show to discuss his departure from the series. He expressed his feelings about leaving the character he had embodied for so long, stating that it was a beautiful way to go and that he had no intentions of reprising the role after leaving. He hinted at a possible cameo in the future, which may bring some solace to fans longing for his return, albeit in a smaller capacity.
As he reminisced about his time on the show, Sam described a poignant moment on his last day of filming where he quoted Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing the significance of his 25-year tenure and the impact it had on him.
5
Credit: Getty
5
Credit: Getty
5
Credit: Getty