Law and Order: SVU

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Production Blog

The Up-and-Coming Stars of SVU

One of the perks of working on a show like SVU is getting to watch some amazing guest stars come through and turn in unforgettable performances. This week's episode, "Lessons Learned," features screen legends like Charles Grodin, Buck Henry, and Elliot Gould, as well as Broadway heavy-hitters Raul Esparza, Frank Wood, Robert Sella, Anthony Rapp, and Elizabeth Marvel.

But as much fun as it is to see famous stars of stage and screen, it's just as much fun to catch an unknown talent who goes on to blow and become a household name. It's no secret that the Law & Order franchise has long been a first stop on the way to a legendary career, and I have a feeling this week's episode is no different.

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"Lessons Learned" features a quartet of performances by young, unknown actors who I think are soon to be on the lips of Hollywood's hit-makers. In the scene where Benson and Amaro first interview Curt about what's been going on at Manor Hill Academy, they find him in a park working as a dog walker. Allow me to introduce you to four scene-stealers who certainly made their mark on this episode:

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Jackson
A method actor in the vein of Dustin Hoffman and Daniel Day Lewis, Jackson is an emotional young performer whose intensity can hardly be contained. In fact, in between takes, Jackson got into a few scuffles with his fellow actors, unable to quit inhabiting the character he had become. Jackson's energy is commendable, but I think he'll need to work on his on-set demeanor in order to become a true star in this business.

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Danny
The polar opposite of Jackson, Danny is a reserved and methodical actor who needs his space to concentrate and get into character. When he's on, look out. His searing eyes and brooding demeanor will surely win over audiences on the big screen someday. However, like Jackson, he has a long way to go in the "setiquette" department. In fact, the two often had loud spats in between (and sometimes during) takes that are the sort of thing thing would surely have gossip magazines buzzing.

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Missy
This is an actor who loves her craft, along with her fellow actors, the crew, the cameras, and several of the trees on and around the set. She just loves what she does and that comes across in her performance, I believe. A little more focus wouldn't hurt her performance, but I can certainly see those big beautiful eyes staring out at me from the cover of "Vanity Fair."

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Rambo
All of these actors were a joy to behold, but if I had to pick one to watch out for, it would be Rambo. Poised, clever, and considerate of his costars. What's not to like? He did pee in the middle of one take, but all actors have some butterflies when they get their big break. If he can get that talented bladder of his under control, I smell Emmy!