Law & Orderhas created several iconic characters over its multi-decade run, which makes it surprising to remember that one of its best main characters left the show shortly after it began, Max Greevey. Since premiering in 1990,Law & Orderhas set itself apart as one of thebest legal dramasfrom its peers. Over its long run, it has also, unsurprisingly, featured several character exits, including George Dzundza’s departure as Greevey in season 2.
Even though many characters have left over the years,Law & Orderhas remained a staple in crime dramas. Some ofLaw & Order’s best episodeseven include several ones from season 1, when Greevey was still a main character in the show. With there beingmore than 20 seasons ofLaw & Order, and possibly more to come, it can be good to remember how the show began and how Greevey’s character brought life to the first season.
George Dzundza’s Max Greevey Died In Law & Order Season 2
Max Was Killed Off In The Premiere
After a successful first season, George Dzundza’s Max Greevey was killed off in theLaw & Orderseason 2 premiere, “Confession.” Greevey was a Sergeant with the NYPD and was a liked main character. His death came as a massive shock as he had a good rapport with his colleagues and was a great detective. His death was made even more surprising becausehe was killed in the opener by Daniel Magadan, Jr., a man who wanted to prevent Greevey from testifying before a grand jury. When Greevey refused to back down, he was shot.
When Greevey refused to back down, he was shot.
Greevey was not only one of severalLaw & Ordercharacters who were killed off, but he was the first. As Greevey was killed off at the start of season 2, there were not many opportunities for him to really reveal his character. Throughout season 1, the writers and actors were still trying to work their way around the characters to bring them to life asLaw & Orderwas still a new show at the time. As a result,Greevey still had a lot of untapped potentialas a character when he died.
Why George Dzundza Left Law & Order After Just 1 Season
Dzundza Left Partially Because Of Creative Differences
Surprisingly, Dzundza’s departure fromLaw & Orderhad nothing to do with his character. Greevey was a beloved detective who was slowly warming up as more character flaws and details were revealed about him. There was no reason to kill him off through his character alone. Instead, Dzundza’s exit had to do with his personal life, ashe leftLaw & Orderdue to the stress of filming in New York.
As he did not want to continue commuting or relocate his family to New York, Dzundza’s only remaining option was to leaveLaw & Order.
While the legal series is set in New York,Law & Ordershow was originally meant to be filmed in Los Angeles. Later, when the show’s location was moved permanently to New York, the constant commute became too overwhelming for the actor. As he did not want to continue commuting or relocate his family to New York, Dzundza’s only remaining option was to leaveLaw & Order.
I’m So Tired Of How Law & Order Handles Character Exits
Four characters have left Law & Order since the 2021 reboot began. It’s beyond time for the series to change how they handle these exits.
According toDigital Spy, there is also one other reason that went behind Dzundza’s departure fromLaw & Order. When he first signed up to film the show,Dzundza believed he would be a star of the show. However, when filming began, he quickly realized thatLaw & Orderfeatured more of an ensemble cast rather than a specific star actor. The combination of the changed location with the aspect of the ensemble cast ultimately led to Dzundza’s decision to leave.
What George Dzundza Has Done Since Leaving Law & Order
Dzundza Has An Impressive Acting Career
Although Dzundza’s time onLaw & Orderwas short, he has a wide range of acting credits before and after his time playing Greevey. Prior to joiningLaw & Order, he starred in several hit movies such asBasic InstinctandDeer Hunter, which likely helped him land the role of Greevey. Since separating from Greevey in the early 1990s,Dzundza has gone on to star in several other TV shows and movies, includingJesse, where he played John Warner Sr., andHack,where he played Tom “Grizz” Grzelak.
Every Law & Order Series, Ranked
Over the 32 years that the franchise has existed, Law & Order shows have found enduring appeal, even if some are more popular than others.
However, besides hisLaw & Orderappearances, Dzundza is probably best known for his time onGrey’s Anatomywhere he played Harold O’Malley. After leavingLaw & Order, he largely starred in smaller roles, but he also achieved an impressive collection of voice acting credits in animation and video games. While Dzundza has crafted a large portfolio of acting credits over the course of his career, he is currently retired.
