Loving "Law & Order" hasn't been easy for fans who have faced several shock exits on
the show.
Namely, Angie Harmon's exit in 2001 raised several eyebrows and is still the subject
of much discussion.
Her departure from the NBC drama poses another question for the long-running show about balancing
its cast and keeping up the need for a consistent storyline.
Harmon played the role of Assistant District Attorney Abbie Carmichael on the series.
While she still had some time remaining on her contract when she announced her exit plan,
Dick Wolf, the show's creator and executive producer, let her go early.
The sudden move by the executives had everyone wondering why Harmon left "Law & Order" and
the impact it might have on the show.
Despite all the cast exits, "Law & Order" has remained quite successful.
Not many shows manage to find such longevity on TV, and much of the credit goes to the
actors, including ones who have left.
Some notable departures includes Chris Noth, who played detective Mike Logan, and Benjamin
Bratt, who portrayed detective Rey Curtis.
As for why Angie Harmon left "Law & Order" in 2001, it appears that the reason is actually
pretty simple.
According to Variety's sources, Harmon was ready to focus on her movie career.
"Law & Order" creator and executive producer Dick Wolf obliged her request and let her
leave the NBC series early.
Wolf said in a statement provided to Variety at the time,
"As I've said numerous times in the past, if an actor wants to leave the series for
personal reasons, and gives ample notice so that it doesn't affect production, I have
never stood in anyone's way."
Wolf made it clear that he was open to letting people go if they wanted to move on in their
career, and the decision has not been a bad one.
Many seasons later, the "Law & Order" franchise has managed to grow and thrive despite its
many cast changes.
Ultimately, the series is always held together by a strong storyline and a reputation for
delivering to the audience's expectations.
Harmon became a part of "Law & Order" in 1998 after Carey Lowell's departure, and it sounds
like leaving the show was a welcome change that brought her even more opportunities.
Post-"Law & Order," Harmon went on to act in several films.
Her most-known role, though, is another TV show, and that's TNT's "Rizzoli and Isles,"
where she played detective Jane Rizzoli.
"I've made a decision."
It has been a while since Harmon left "Law & Order" to pursue other projects, and she's
continued to keep busy in the two decades since.
Between 2017 and 2018, Harmon voiced three episodes of "Voltron: Legendary Defender."
Then came another narration role in June 2021, where she narrated Lifetime's documentary
series "Cellmate Secrets."
Harmon's been exploring some business prospects too.
She launched a summer collection in June 2020 after teaming up with home and dorm décor
company LeighDeux.
Besides her business plans, acting, and voiceover projects, Harmon has also been proactive as
a UNICEF ambassador since 2013.
Clearly, her career is still going strong.
While Harmon's exit from "Law & Order" may have come as a surprise to many, the show's
producers had little time to lament.
Her departure left an enormous void that needed to be filled, and the casting directors turned
to Elisabeth Rohm for help.
Rohm had been guest-starring on WB's "Angel" and was signed to replace Harmon on "Law & Order."
Rohm, who was 28 at the time, was someone the creatives thought would fit right in.
They also felt she had the right look.
Janet Hirshenson, who worked in casting, explained that getting a lesser-known actor didn't hurt
either, explaining,
"In a way it's better to get a lesser marquee name, because it's the show itself that is
actually the star."
Besides, the part wasn't thought to be difficult for Rohm, since the Sarah Lawrence College
alum had also played the role of a Wall Street analyst on TNT's "Bull" during its debut season.
As a result, the switch from "Bull" to "Law & Order" couldn't have been too daunting.
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