It's common for New York-based actors to appear on "Law & Order: SVU." From Viola Davis to Robin Williams and Cynthia Nixon, many actors have made guest appearances. Some have even played different roles, leading to moments of deja-vu for dedicated fans.
Diane Neal
Diane Neal first appeared on "Law & Order: SVU" as Amelia Chase, a high-powered stockbroker who commits assault and stages a murder. In that Season 3 episode, she is prosecuted by ADA Alexandra Cabot, played by Stephanie March. However, Neal later returned to the show as ADA Casey Novak and took over Cabot's role when March's character initially left. It's intriguing to see a character with such malicious intentions transition into representing the law in "Law & Order: SVU."
Kelli Giddish
Peter Scanavino initially appeared on "Law & Order: SVU" as Johnny Dubcek, a janitor who attacks a coach he believes is assaulting a young girl due to his own history of sexual abuse. In 2013, Scanavino returned to the show as Detective Dominick Carisi Jr., a new member of the SVU team. Carisi later transitioned to become an assistant district attorney in the show's 21st season. The fact that Scanavino played a prominent villain just one year before taking on the role of Carisi is quite unusual.
Hayden Panetierre
Hayden Panetierre made two appearances on "Law & Order: SVU." In the show's second season episode "Abuse," she played Ashley Austin Black, the daughter of a country star whose brother dies in a traffic incident. In Season 6's "Hooked," Panetierre portrayed Angela Agnelli, a Catholic schoolgirl with a dark secret involving violence and sex work. Her characters leave a lasting impact despite their stark differences.
Bradley Whitford
Bradley Whitford, known for his roles in "The West Wing," "Get Out," and "The Handmaid's Tale," made two appearances on "Law & Order: SVU." In the Season 15 episode "Reasonable Doubt," he played Frank Maddox, a TV producer accused of inappropriate behavior towards his daughter. In the 2023 episode "King of the Moon," Whitford portrayed Pence Humphreys, a neuroscientist who fakes dementia to murder his wife. These roles showcase Whitford's ability to play odious villains, diverging from his previous likeable character in "The West Wing."
