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Camryn Manheim, best known for her starring role in the law drama The Practice, is now Law & Order’s new top cop. The original NBC procedural returns to the network for Season 21 after more than a decade-long hiatus. Manheim, who began her acting career in New York City, couldn’t refuse the opportunity to return to the small screen, not just for work but for all the city has to offer.
What’s your Law & Order story?
Every New York actor has a history with Law & Order. I have been a guest star on Law & Order three times. The first time was my first TV role ever [1991], so it has come full circle for me. I got my master’s in fine arts at New York University. For my living, I was a sign language interpreter. I did off-off-Broadway shows, they were so off-Broadway. It was a big deal if you could get a role on Law & Order.
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When you got the phone call, was it an easy yes to Law & Order?
It was a thrilling phone call. Then I did some more thinking. I live in Los Angeles. My son [actor Milo Manheim, 20] lives across the street. I have cats. Then I thought, Wait a minute. I want this new chapter in my life. I could stay in my house, in my easy life, or I could say yes to this brand-new adventure. My agents said, “Every actress your age wants this role, and if you don’t take it, we’re firing you.”
On Instagram, you’ve got a recent snap with SVU queen Mariska Hargitay. Do tell!
The minute Mariska found out, she texted me and invited me over to her house. She served me an amazing meal of Shake Shack burgers. We talked until midnight about all the wonderful work that her foundation [Joyful Heart] does and how it’s an honor and a privilege to be on a TV show that can make a difference in people’s lives. She does it beautifully.
![Camryn Manheim, Anthony Anderson and Jeffrey Donovan in costume on the set of 'Law & Order' Camryn Manheim, Anthony Anderson and Jeffrey Donovan in costume on the set of 'Law & Order'](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/benefits-discounts/members-only-access/info-2022/camryn-manheim-quick-questions/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par7/articlecontentfragme/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/members-only/member-benefits/2022/02/1140-camryn-manheim-secondary1.jpg)
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