Elizabeth Donnelly
| Elizabeth Donnelly | |
|---|---|
| Law & Order character | |
 Light as Elizabeth Donnelly in the season 8 episode "Haystack" |
|
| First appearance | "Guilt" March 29, 2002 |
| Last appearance | "Behave" September 29, 2010 |
| Portrayed by | Judith Light |
| Time on show | 2002–10 |
| Seasons | 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Credited appearances | 25 episodes (total) |
| Succeeded by |
Michael Cutter (Bureau Chief ADA) |
Elizabeth "Liz" Donnelly is a fictional character from the NBC crime drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, portrayed by Judith Light. She made her first screen appearance during the third season episode "Guilt", which was broadcast on March 29, 2002.
Elizabeth Donnelly was conceived by producer Ted Kotcheff. He wanted Judith Light to make a guest appearance on the show, after he saw her in a production of Wit. However, Light had to tour with the play and was unable to take up Kotcheff's offer. When Light returned to New York, Kotcheff remembered her and offered her the role of Donnelly. Light commented, "perhaps they were looking to create another strong female on the show, but that's how it came about." Gail Shister from The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Light's casting on February 19, 2002, saying she had been cast in a recurring role as the "tough new bureau chief". Light made her first appearance on March 29, 2002.
In their book The Law and Order: Special Victims Unit Unofficial Companion, Susan Green, Randee Dawn described Donnelly as having "a steely presence with a sure moral compass". They also noted that other than her career path, little was known about Donnelly's life. Light said her character was "in love with the law" and not open to corruption, as she always wanted to do the right thing. Light called Donnelly "powerful" and added that she often helped people who had potential. After serving as Bureau Chief ADA, Donnelly became a judge in the seventh season.
Although originally appearing as a Bureau Chief ADA, Donnelly is elevated to judgeship. While working for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, however, she serves as the supervisor of Alexandra Cabot and her successor, Casey Novak; Donnelly has presided over numerous cases prosecuted by Casey Novak, as well as a case prosecuted by Novak's successor, Kim Greylek, in the episode "Persona".
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