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Jesse Martin's Law & Order Nerves
12 Jul
Summary
- Martin joined Law & Order without a formal audition.
- He was intimidated by veteran actors like Jerry Orbach.
- Filming in New York offered access to top theater talent.
Jesse L. Martin joined the cast of Law & Order without a formal audition, a significant career move for the then-29 or 30-year-old actor. He admitted to being nervous, sharing the screen with established actors such as S. Epatha Merkerson, Sam Waterston, and Jerry Orbach. Martin was particularly intimidated by Orbach, whom he initially supported before finding his footing.
As the seasons progressed, Martin found his rhythm, focusing on the character and fast-paced storylines. He noted the welcoming nature of the cast, with Epatha Merkerson being particularly supportive. Filming in New York offered Martin a unique perspective, revisiting places he once sought acting jobs.
The series also provided access to a wealth of talent from the Broadway community, with many actors needing to leave sets in time for their evening performances. Martin starred on the show for eight seasons, from 1999 to 2008, reflecting on his tenure with a sense of accomplishment despite initial anxieties.
