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We Just Learned This Major Detail About Tony Goldwyn's New D.A. Role on Law & Order

Goldwyn will be taking over the role of the DA after Waterston's portrayal of over 25 years. 

By Jackie Manno

While Sam Waterston's longtime portrayal of D.A. Jack McCoy will be missed on Law & Order, a new, exciting detail has emerged regarding the man who is stepping in his place. 

How to Watch

Watch Law & Order Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock

On February 21, Tony Goldwyn, who is playing the new D.A., finally revealed the name of his character: Nicholas Baxter. 

''Some very large shoes to fill! First episode finished as DA Nicholas Baxter. Thanks to the L&O fam for being so welcoming!" Goldwyn wrote on Instagram. He also shared a photo from the series' set with fellow Law & Order newcomer Reid Scott (Vincent Riley) and Mehcad Brooks (Jalen Shaw).

But how exactly will Goldwyn handle the role? Tune into new episodes of Season 23 of Law & Order Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC to find out. 

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Tony Goldwyn attends the tony awards in a beige suit and bowtie

Sam Waterston talks Tony Goldwyn replacing him on leaving Law & Order

Waterston — who first joined the series in 1994 for Season 5 — was on TODAY on February 21, he revealed his high expectations for Goldwyn's interpretation of the new DA. 

“I think he’s going to be great. I think my reputation is in terrible danger because I think just he’s going to be wonderful and I’ll be watching. It’s going to be big trouble. It’ll be what the DA is, demanding and a lot of fun to watch,” he said.

Waterston also talked about how he remembers his emotional final moments on set playing the role. 

“When they said goodbye to me, the last shot that I did was on the set of the courtroom and Dick Wolf showed up and everybody gave speeches. And I quoted from Abraham Lincoln, going to D.C. at the beginning of the Civil War — that he had been there for 25 years. If 25 years doesn’t matter, nothing matters,” he recalled. 

Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) appears in Season 22 Episode 18 of Law & Order

RELATED: Check Out Who's in the Law & Order Cast for Season 23

Waterston also talked about what the show means to him in an official statement to fans:

“Greetings, you wonderful people. It’s a pleasure to talk directly like this to the backbone of Law & Order‘s absolutely amazing audience. The time has come for me to move on and take Jack McCoy with me. There’s sadness in leaving, but I’m just too curious about what’s next. An actor doesn’t want to let himself get too comfortable," he said.

He continued: ''I’m more grateful to you than I can say. L&O’s continuing and amazing long run, along with its astounding come-back, is all thanks to you and Dick Wolf, but for whose vision, patience, perseverance, and unique combination of creative and business talents, none of this would have happened. I feel very blessed. I hope to see you all on the flip side. Thank you, Sam.”