Actor Sam Waterston, who brought no-nonsense district attorney Jack McCoy to life on Law & Order, has announced his departure from the long-running police drama.

With more than 400 episodes under his belt, Waterston has been a fixture on the show since he joined in its fourth season in 1994.

The seasoned actor, now 83, has earned acclaim and recognition for his portrayal of Jack McCoy, including a SAG Award and multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

“The time has come for me to move on and take Jack McCoy with me,” he announced in a statement.

“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.”

Fans took to social media to express their mixed emotions about Waterston’s departure, with many acknowledging the end of an era.

Waterston’s exit signifies the conclusion of a significant period for Law & Order, a show that has become synonymous with the crime procedural genre. However, change is on the horizon as Tony Goldwyn, known for his roles in Scandal and the 1990 film Ghost, has been cast as the new district attorney.

Before his illustrious career in the world of television, Waterston began as a stage actor in New York, tackling numerous Shakespearean roles. His journey led him to significant roles, such as Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby and Tom Wingfield in a television production of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, starring alongside Katharine Hepburn.

Waterston’s legacy on Law & Order will undoubtedly be remembered by fans as they bid farewell to a character who has graced their screens for almost three decades.

-with AP.