Raúl Esparza exits Law & Order: SVU after six seasons
Another long-time cast member has exited Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Raúl Esparza has left the long-running NBC procedural after six seasons, EW has learned exclusively.
The actor joined SVU as Assistant District Attorney Rafael Barba in season 14 in a recurring capacity, before being upped to series regular in season 15.
During Wednesday’s episode, Barba ultimately left the District Attorney’s office after pulling the plug on a brain-dead child. Esparza has effectively exited as a series regular, but the door is open for him to return. In his stead, Chicago Justice character Peter Stone (Philip Winchester) has become the new ADA, with Winchester being added to the show as a regular who will likely continue with the show next season should it be renewed.
“It has truly been an honor writing for Raúl,” SVU showrunner Michael Chernuchin says. “The power, sensitivity, and morality he brought to the character of Rafael Barba never failed to elevate our scripts. Raúl is family and we look forward to seeing his talent shine in new projects. As for Barba, SVU fans may see him again soon.”
Though SVU has been on for 19 seasons, the show hasn’t seen too much turnover in recent years. After Christopher Meloni exited in season 12, fellow originals Richard Belzer and Dann Florek both left in season 15. Danny Pino, who joined the show in season 13, was the show’s last big exit back in season 16.
Following his departure, Esparza is temporarily returning to his Broadway roots for a Chess revival at the Kennedy Center. What’s next for him after that? And why did he decide to leave SVU now? Read our full interview to get the scoop:
News
Mariska Hargitay’s Dad Teared Up During Her Emotional Award Speech: “I Love You”
The SVU star thanked her father, Mickey Hargitay, who was in the audience during her 2005 Golden Globes speech. One of the Law & Order: Special Victim Unit icon’s greatest moments occurred during the 2005 Golden Globes when she accepted the award for Best…
Mariska Hargitay suffered ‘secondary trauma’ from ‘Law & Order: SVU’ storylines
Mariska Hargitay, 60, who has starred as Olivia Benson in the “Law & Order” franchise since 1999 — making her the longest-running character in the longest-running prime-time drama — said that she’s been “deeply” impacted by the show. “When I…
Mariska Hargitay Was 8 Months Pregnant in Chris Meloni’s Favorite SVU Scene
It’s no surprise that actors themselves have their own favorite scenes from their shows. What is surprising, however, is that Christopher Meloni’s favorite Law & Order: Special Victims Unit scene ever just happens to be one that includes an 8 months pregnant Mariska Hargitay. The…
Christopher Meloni recalls special ‘Law & Order: SVU’ moment with Mariska Hargitay
Christopher Meloni co starred with Mariska Hargitay in 12 seasons of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ Christopher Meloni co starred with Mariska Hargitay in 12 seasons of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ Christopher Meloni has revealed his favourite Law…
Harrison Butker Signs $10 Million Deal with ABC for a New Show, “It’s Going to Replace The View” – Satire
Breaking: Harrison Butker Signs $10 Million Deal with ABC for a New Show, “It’s Going to Replace The View” A famous football kicker got everyone scratching their heads. Well, yes, the ABC Network has given Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison…
Oprah protected ‘Childless Cat Ladies’ as the Camera Pans to the Audience
Oprah protected ‘Childless Cat Ladies’ as the Camera Pans to the Audience A womaп at the DNC was iп the wroпg place at the wroпg time wheп Oprah Wiпfrey meпtioпed ‘childless cat ladies’ dυriпg her speech Wedпesday пight. Wiпfrey was eпdorsiпg Vice Presideпt Kamala Harris wheп…
End of content
No more pages to load