5 Law & Order Actors Who've Been on the Show for Insanely Long

The Law & Order franchise has remained a beloved fixture on our screens for decades, thanks to its gripping storylines and memorable dramatic moments. But while each episode brings a new case to solve, a few familiar faces have been anchoring the series, episode after episode, season after season.

There are actors who've become synonymous with the Law & Order legacy due to their impressively long tenures.

5. S. Epatha Merkerson

Starting off our list is S. Epatha Merkerson, who won hearts as the smart and savvy Lieutenant Anita Van Buren since 1993. She's a three-time NAACP Image Award nominee for this role.

Before Law & Order, she graced The Cosby Show. And her talent doesn’t stop there. She's been in Broadway plays, got a nod for a Tony Award, and even grabbed an Obie and Helen Hayes Award.

4. Dann Florek

Dann Florek’s Captain Donald Cragan is one of the longest-serving in the Law and Order universe. He’s been Captain Cragan in SVU since 1999, and even before that, he was on the original series. In total, he was in the show for more than a whopping 28 years.

3. Sam Waterston

Everyone remembers District Attorney Jack McCoy. This iconic role was portrayed by the fantastic Sam Waterston, making his entrance in 1994. He played DA McCoy until 2010 and made a comeback in 2022. Not to mention his iconic role in spin-offs. Waterson grabbed a Screen Actors Guild Award in 1998.

2. Ice T

Ice T is a familiar face and voice. The rapper-turned-actor has been rocking the role of Odafin Tutuola for over two decades. Apart from Law & Order, you might've seen him in Ice Loves Coco or even caught him voicing in Ugly Dolls. From rap to metal to acting, this man had done it all.

1. Mariska Hargitay

The crown goes to Mariska Hargitay. Portraying Olivia Benson since 1999, she’s been with the show from the start. With over 550 episodes and even some crossovers with shows like Chicago Fire, she’s unstoppable.