Actors playing multiple roles within the same TV show isn’t uncommon, especially in cases of long-running shows. For example, Justin Theroux appeared in totally unrelated roles in Sex and the City. However, in the case of Lance Reddick, who tragically passed away last year, not two or three, the actor played five characters in the Law & Order franchise.
While most fans are familiar with Reddick’s Dr. Taylor from the Special Victims Unit, apart from this recurring character, the actor played an additional four different characters in the franchise.
Lance Reddick Was Starred in Three Law & Order Shows
When it comes to procedural shows, few do it better than the Law & Order franchise, which debuted back in the ’90s and has spawned a total of seven spin-offs since. But amongst them all, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit remains the most acclaimed one, which saw Lance Reddick playing Dr. Taylor in Episode 16 of Season 1. While his tenure as Dr. Taylor concluded after 6 episodes, this wasn’t the last of the John Wick star in the acclaimed franchise.
Alongside playing Dr. Taylor in SVU, Reddick also played an unnamed juror in the original show, Law & Order, and later appeared as Captain Gasana in episode 4 of season 12. However, his next appearance in the franchise was a contrast to his characters in the original show and SVU.
Criminal Intent saw Reddick playing a ruthless insurance agent, responsible for murdering homeless people and appeared in Episode 14 of its second season. But with season 14 of Law & Order, Reddick was back to basics following his portrayal of FBI Special Agent Jamal Atkinson.
Lance Reddick Lifted Regina King’s Spirit during Her Directorial Debut
Nailing several characters in the same franchise stands as a testament to the late actor’s testament as an actor. But apart from being an exceptional actor, Lance Reddick was also deemed an exceptional human being by his colleagues, and a few months ago, Regina King chimed in to sing his praises. King, who worked with the John Wick star in her directorial debut One Night in Miami, recalled that Reddick always lifted her spirit up, and also helped her emotionally.
Lance, really a spirit that knew how to physically lift me up. and also emotionally help me to remember to laugh.
She isn’t alone in recounting Reddick’s brilliance, both as an actor and person, who is being honored by fans on the occasion of his 62nd birthday, as they continue to celebrate his legacy.
Law & Order is available to stream on Peacock.
