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Vincent D'Onofrio departing 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent'
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UPDATE: USA has confirmed Vincent D'Onofrio's departure from "Law & Order: CI." Series creator Dick Wolf says D'Onofrio will appear in a two-part story to kick off the show's ninth season in which D'Onofrio's Detective Robert Goren will hand the reins of the Major Case Squad to Detective Zack Nichols (Jeff Goldblum).
"After eight seasons, and with the addition of Jeff Goldblum, now is the perfect time for me to explore other acting opportunities, and I leave the show knowing it is in great hands with Jeff," D'Onofrio says in a statement. He also leaves the door open for Goren to make a return appearance.
"For all my loyal 'CI' fans, I wouldn't be surprised if Goren pops up from time to time," he says.
Original post below.
"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" is set to undergo a major cast shakeup in advance of its ninth season.
Vincent D'Onofrio, who has starred as Detective Robert Goren in the series since its 2001 debut, is on his way out. So are Kathryn Erbe, who has played Goren's partner Alex Eames from day one, and Eric Bogosian, who's played Capt. Danny Ross for the past three seasons, The Hollywood Reporter says.
As previously reported, Julianne Nicholson has also decided to leave the show.
Jeff Goldblum, who joined the USA series in the recently finished eighth season of the show, will be back, and Saffron Burrows ("My Own Worst Enemy") has officially signed on to play his new partner. But there's no word yet on whether they will be the sole pair of detectives on the show or whether "Criminal Intent" will rotate two sets of stars as it's done for the past four years.
The door is open for D'Onofrio to make some guest appearances in the future, but nothing is nailed down yet.
"Law & Order: CI" is scheduled to return to USA in the spring.
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PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE SHOW
YOU AND YOUR PARTERNER MADE THE SHOW
PPPPPPPPPPPPPPLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEE DON GO
this show will be HORRIBLE without D'onofrio!
Millions of viewers will STOP watching the show.....
HE MAKES THE SHOW WHAT IT CURRENTLY IS!!!!
I CANNOT IMAGINE LOCI WITHOUT HIM
This is a bad move for ratings. Does Vincent D'Nofrio have plans for another show or movie roles? I can't imagine not being able to see him on CI anymore. His character completely overshadowed everyone else and even tho Goldblum is okay, he's no Goren.
That's terrible to hear. I'm glad, at least, that Goldblum is staying on. He's not Goren, but I still think he's one of the best Law & Order characters in years.
Wonder who'll take over running Major Case?
The only reason that I even watch C. I, is for Vinnie, if he is not on the show I will not watch it at all. If you think that J.G. is a Vinnie and do a good acting job as Vinnie you better get your head looked at. HOW!!!!!!!!
Know one can take his place at all
Sally
Unbelieveable. What a huge mistake letting them go. They should really rethink it
I will not watch the show again without Vincent and Kathryn. This is too bad
I am a fan of the originals even with Goren taking some weird turns over the years and looking rough from time to time.
Buh-bye to one of my favorite shows. Unreal to even think it will last three episodes without Vincent and Kathryn.
C'mon Rick Porter!
Why isn't Zap2it recapping "Survivor" this season?
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