NBC Press Release
THE PALEY CENTER PRESENTS LAW & ORDER: BEFORE THEY WERE
STARS
October 28, 2020
Hourlong Special Celebrates Thespians Who Got Their Start on
Dick Wolf’s Monumental Brand
NEW YORK – Oct. 27, 2020 – Celebrating the influence of one
of the most iconic brands in all of television, NBC will air the hourlong
special “The Paley Center Presents Law & Order: Before They Were Stars” on
Thursday, Nov. 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, immediately following the season 22
premiere of “Law & Order: SVU” at 9 p.m.
For an up-and-coming actor, an appearance on a “Law &
Order” episode is a rite of passage. Since 1990, more than a few of the attorneys,
victims, perpetrators, witnesses, kids, suspects and police of the week have
gone on to become some of the biggest television and movie stars in the world.
“Law & Order is one of television’s most legendary
brands and has served as a springboard for so many talented actors,” said
Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center’s President & CEO. “We’re honored to
partner with our friends from NBC to present this entertaining look at where
some of today’s biggest stars got their first big break.”
The telecast will feature interviews with actors whose roles
on “Law & Order” played an instrumental part in shaping their careers,
including Ron Cephas Jones, Chris Sullivan and Susan Kelechi Watson (“This Is
Us”), Leslie Odom Jr. (“Hamilton”), Michael Imperioli and Aida Turturro (“The
Sopranos”), Ariel Winter (“Modern Family”), Abigail Breslin (“Zombieland”) and
S. Epatha Merkerson (“Chicago Med”).
In addition to the above, several prominent actors who have
a “Law & Order” credit or two on their resume will be part of the special,
including eight-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper.
For many actors, “Law & Order” was a way to earn their
SAG card. Some played multiple guest roles on the series before becoming famous
and will explain what the experience on set meant to them at the time.
Members of the “Law & Order” ensembles will recount the
experiences of working with the great actors who were not yet household names.
Some “Law & Order” cast members discuss appearing on “Law & Order” as
other characters before landing a spot in the main cast. For example, Peter
Scanavino appeared as double assailant Johnny Dubchek before he took the role
of Sonny Carisi on “SVU.” Kelli Giddish played a victim before she joined the
force as Det. Amanda Rollins.
With over 1,200 episodes from the “Law & Order” library
to date and tens of thousands of roles for actors, it’s no surprise that many
of them have gone on to incredible careers. This insightful look back is a
celebration of 30 years of a legendary franchise and the stars who have helped
pave the way.
The special will air the following day on NBCUniversal’s
streaming service, Peacock.
The Paley Center Presents Law & Order: Before They Were
Stars” will be produced by The Paley Center for Media in association with Brad
Lachman Productions. Maureen J. Reidy, Brad Lachman, and Diane Lewis will
executive produce. Bill Bracken will co-executive produce.
© NBCUniversal 2020
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