16 November 2023 , 00:12
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Law & Order has reportedly fired Jeffrey Donovan, who played the beloved role of detective Frank Cosgrove, ahead of return of season 23.
According to reports by Variety, Jeffrey has been axed from the show after his successful run in seasons 21 and 22 of the hit crime-drama. The 55-year-old actor was a fan favorite on the series as he starred as a junior detective that joined the New York Police Department force as the new partner of detective Kevin Bernard. Frank worked as Kevin's opposite with his abrasive, no-nonsense personality that made them the perfect team to handle some of Manhattan's most devious cases.
On the NBC website, Frank's character on the thrilling drama was described as: "Frank is a tough-as-nails detective that seeks justice by whatever means necessary. Every legal drama needs a bad cop, and Donovan shines." A description that Jeffrey perfectly lived up to leaving many fans shocked and upset that he will be exiting the show.
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Jeffrey starred as detective Frank Cosgrove for two seasons of Law & Order (GC Images)According to TV Line, the star was let go from the show due to "creative reasons" but NBC has yet to issue an official statement on his departure. The new cast shake up comes as Anthony Anderson recently exited the show in 2021. The famous Black-ish actor starred as detective Kevin Bernard on the series for one season before his contract as up winning the hearts of many viewers.
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After Jeffery's departure from the show, the cast consists of four main characters investigating the bone-chilling cases presented to the NYPD. The new team now only features Sam Waterston as District Attorney Jack McCoy, Camryn Manheim as Lieutenant Kate Dixon, Hugh Dancy as Assistant District Attorney Nolan Price, and Odelya Halevi as Assistant District Attorney Samantha Maroun.
Fans of Jeffery took to X, formerly Twitter, sharing their dismay at the star's surprise exit from the series. One Law & Order fan wrote: "NOOOOOO COSGROVE WAS JUST GETTING INTO SOME GOOD CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT" and another added: "Wait, what?!? Jeffrey Donovan was let go?!? Ugh! I really liked him in the most recent season!" And a third replied: "Aww, man. I liked him as Cosgrove...especially once he got paired with Det. Shaw (Mehcad Brooks)! This sucks!"
Law & Order is set to return with a shortened 13-episode Season 23 in early 2024.