Vincent D’Onofrio, renowned for his role as Detective Robert Goren in *Law & Order: Criminal Intent*, recently shared insights about his time on the popular crime drama series. During an interview, D’Onofrio, now 66 years old, candidly acknowledged the personal and professional growth he experienced while working on the show, despite the challenges posed by its demanding filming schedule.
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D’Onofrio initially received the opportunity to join the series through Dick Wolf, the creator of the *Law & Order* franchise. He reflected on his hesitation when offered the role, recalling that he had only a couple of guest appearances on television under his belt. “He asked me if I would be interested in doing some television,” D’Onofrio recounted. Given the gravity of the offer, he took time to deliberate before ultimately accepting. The decision was solidified upon reading the script authored by René Balcer, the show’s first showrunner.
He praised the quality of the scripts, describing them as “really well written” and highlighting the unique nature of *Criminal Intent*. Unlike standard whodunits, the series delved deeper into the psychological aspects of crime, focusing on the motives behind actions. D’Onofrio likened the series to detective icons Sherlock Holmes and Columbo, emphasising the depth of narrative that set it apart from its predecessors.
Throughout its run, *Law & Order: Criminal Intent* aimed to capture the essence of criminal interrogations, often concluding episodes with intense dialogues where suspects faced the detectives and typically confessed. D’Onofrio recalled that these climactic exchanges frequently spanned up to 14 or 15 pages, likening them to theatrical performances. “It was a really cool job in that way,” he explained, illustrating the unique demands of the show.
However, despite such gratifying aspects, the long hours of filming took their toll on both D’Onofrio and his co-star Kathryn Erbe, who played Alexandra Eames. He recalled the grueling nature of their schedules, which averaged about 17 hours a day for ten months of the year. “It was exhausting for Kate and I. . . . I hated that,” he admitted, underscoring the physical and mental strain associated with the job. “And I’m glad it’s really not allowed. Nobody’s allowed to do that anymore with actors.”
Despite the rigorous demands, D’Onofrio expressed gratitude for the growth he experienced in the role. He noted that the constant learning and adapting necessary for the role significantly developed his acting abilities. “I left that show a better actor than I was before,” he said. The fast-paced nature of television required him to manage multiple transitions within a single scene, a skill he had to master on the job.
D’Onofrio starred in all ten seasons of *Criminal Intent*, witnessing the show’s evolution over time. However, in a notable moment, he and Erbe only appeared in the first two episodes of the ninth season before returning to the forefront for the series finale in 2011. Looking back, he recognised the profound effect the role had on his career, diverging from his earlier film work with notable titles like *Full Metal Jacket* and *Men in Black*.
Following the conclusion of *Law & Order: Criminal Intent*, D’Onofrio transitioned into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he embodied the character of Wilson Fisk. His portrayal in Netflix’s *Daredevil* marked the beginning of this new chapter, with subsequent appearances in *Hawkeye*, *Echo*, and the upcoming *Daredevil: Born Again* further solidifying his status in the superhero genre.
Shifting from intense investigative drama to the world of comic book adaptations has garnered D’Onofrio a new generation of fans while further establishing his versatility as an actor. As he navigates his career, he remains appreciative of the foundational experiences gained from his time on *Criminal Intent*, recognising the values and skills learned that continue to shape his acting journey.