Goldblum Replacing Noth on Law and Order: CI

Chris Noth is bowing out of the USA Network drama, Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Noth plays Detective Mike Logan on Law & Order: CI, which is produced by Dick Wolf. In his place, Jeff Goldblum steps up to fill the void for the coming fall season, when production begins. Wolf gave a statement to Noth's departure saying, "Chris has been a member of the Law & Order family since the beginning, and Mike Logan is one of the most popular detectives in the history of televison." He adds, "We all wish him the best." It is reported in the New York Daily News that talks on a new contract with the Law & Order and Sex and the City star just didn't work out.

This is the second time Noth is leaving the Law & Order franchise. He spent five years on the original Law & Order. In 1995, because of budget issues and Wolf's desire to change the direction of the show, Noth left. He returned in 1998 in a Law & Order movie for NBC. In 2005, he joined the cast of Criminal Intent. Noth was added to the cast as a way to lighten the workload of star Vincent D'Onofrio.

Goldblum has appeared in a plethora of big screen movies, including Jurassic Park, as well as a short-lived NBC drama, Raines. Wolf seems to think Goldblum can fill the void left by Noth. "Jeff's presence will add a new dimension to an already successful show."

Source: New York Daily News