Jesse L. Martin Admits He Was ‘Nervous’ Around ‘Prince of New York’ Jerry Orbach His Entire First Season of “Law & Order ”(Exclusive)

Jesse L. Martin has shared insights into his early days on the acclaimed television series Law & Order, reflecting on the challenges of joining a cast filled with established stars. Martin stepped into the role of Detective Ed Green in 1999, becoming a partner to the iconic Jerry Orbach, who portrayed Detective Lennie Briscoe.

Upon joining the long-running procedural drama, Martin was understandably apprehensive about meeting the expectations of both the audience and his co-stars. He managed to impress creator Dick Wolf enough to secure the role without a formal audition, a remarkable feat for the then 30-year-old actor. “I was super excited, but I was also very nervous,” Martin recalled. He was acutely aware that he was joining a team that included acting titans such as S. Epatha Merkerson and Sam Waterston.

Martin’s partnership with the legendary Orbach added a layer of anxiety to his experience. Describing Orbach as “the Prince of New York” and a Broadway icon, Martin confessed to feeling intimidated initially. With the two actors sharing a significant number of scenes, the dynamic of their characters created an intense on-set atmosphere. He admitted that he was concerned that Orbach—who passed away in 2004—might not take a liking to him.

In light of the pressure he felt, Martin approached his role with a mindset geared towards support rather than competition. “You don’t have to match him, and you couldn’t anyway. You just have to be there in support of him,” he stated. This realisation helped alleviate some of his initial nervousness, allowing him to focus on integrating his character into the ensemble.

As the weeks of filming progressed, Martin found that the rigorous production schedule afforded him the opportunity to gain confidence. He noticed that the fast pace of the show encouraged him to engage deeply with his character. “I stopped worrying so much and dug into the character,” he explained, noting that the high stakes of the stories being told left little room for self-doubt.

Although he was concerned about how he would be received by his fellow cast members, Martin found that they welcomed him with open arms. In particular, he credited S. Epatha Merkerson for her kindness, stating that she “took me under her wing” and guided him through the intricacies of the show.

One of the most thrilling aspects of working on Law & Order for Martin was the opportunity to film in various locations throughout New York City—a city where he had previously pounded the pavement as an aspiring actor. “I was suddenly standing there on the street, filming with Jerry Orbach and all these amazing guest stars,” he recounted with enthusiasm.

Furthermore, Martin expressed admiration for Law & Order’s ability to attract top-tier talent from the theatre world, many of whom have since become global stars. He highlighted the unique opportunity of working with actors who were still on the cusp of fame, noting that the show’s ties to Broadway provided a rich pool of talent. Often, they had to work quickly to accommodate guest actors scheduled to perform in evening shows.

Reflecting on his experience, Martin concluded that his initial nerves transformed into a rewarding sense of excitement as he navigated his role on the show. He felt grateful for the opportunity and growth that came from working alongside some of the best in the industry.

Having starred in the series from 1999 to 2008, Jesse L. Martin’s journey on Law & Order not only marked the beginning of his rise in the television landscape but also fostered a deep appreciation for the craft and his fellow actors, shaping his career in ways he never anticipated.