Why George Dzundza Left Law & Order As Max Greevey After Just 1 Season

Law & Order has 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 & Order has set itself apart as one of the best legal dramas from 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 & Order has remained a staple in crime dramas. Some of Law & Order's best episodes even include several ones from season 1, when Greevey was still a main character in the show. With there being more than 20 seasons of Law & 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

George Dzundza's Max Greevey in Law & Order

After a successful first season, George Dzundza's Max Greevey was killed off in the Law & Order season 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 because he 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 several Law & Order characters 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 as Law & Order was still a new show at the time. As a result, Greevey still had a lot of untapped potential as 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 from Law & Order had 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, as he left Law & Order due 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 leave Law & Order.

While the legal series is set in New York, Law & Order show 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 leave Law & Order.

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According to Digital Spy, there is also one other reason that went behind Dzundza's departure from Law & 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 that Law & Order featured 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

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Although Dzundza's time on Law & Order was short, he has a wide range of acting credits before and after his time playing Greevey. Prior to joining Law & Order, he starred in several hit movies such as Basic Instinct and Deer 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, including Jesse, where he played John Warner Sr., and Hack, where he played Tom "Grizz" Grzelak.

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However, besides his Law & Order appearances, Dzundza is probably best known for his time on Grey's Anatomy where he played Harold O'Malley. After leaving Law & 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.

Source: Digital Spy

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