Jesse L. Martin Will Leave "Law and Order"

After months of speculation by Hollywood Insiders, it is now official. Jesse L. Martin is leaving Law & Order after nine years with the show, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Martin's character, Detective Ed Green, will be written off of the show in the coming episodes.

With Martin's departure evident, it appears that another African-American actor will take his place.

Anthony Anderson, who starred in Fox's drama, K-Ville, is reportedly in final talks to replace Green as partner of Jeremy Sisto's character, Cyrus Lupo.

Martin is expected to shoot one more episode this season when production on Law & Order resumes, with Anderson taking over later this season.

Although Fox has not officially announced it, Anderson's casting seems to signal the end for K-Ville, the New Orleans police drama.

Martin's departure from the NBC staple will allow him to act in more movies. He just finished Peter and Vandy and is set to play Marvin Gaye in the indie biopic called Sexual Healing, which also stars James Gandolfini.