Spotlight: Maura Tierney
Though Law & Order has featured many talented guest stars, it’s not every day that one comes back full time. Maura Tierney, who guest starred on the show’s second season, made her return to the show in 2024 in a new role as Lieutenant Jessica Brady, commanding officer of the Manhattan North Homicide Squad in the 27th Precinct. We spoke with Maura about how he found her way back into the world of Wolf Entertainment, what life is like on-set, and what she admires most about her character.
Q: How did you land your role as Lt. Jessica Brady on Law & Order?
A: It all happened very quickly. My agents called and told me I was being offered a job on Law & Order, and I then had a conversation with Producer Rick Eid who explained to me what they had in mind for the character of Jessica Brady. I was intrigued with what they had planned for her and very excited to work with the cast, so I started the next week. I kind of jumped right in.
Q: You previously guest-starred on Law & Order, appearing in the show’s second season. What has it been like returning to the show, this time as part of the squad?
A: For me there’s nothing at all similar about returning to the show. If I remember correctly, my character for that guest spot, Patricia Blaine, was mostly a witness for the prosecution. What I’m doing now is completely different.
Q: What does a typical day on set look like for you?
A: A typical day on set varies for me. Most days I’m in the precinct, so I spend a lot of my time on that set working with Reid and Mehcad or interrogating people. Occasionally I’ll be out in the field with the guys at a crime scene, which is really fun. I’ve also testified in court a few times. So I get the chance to work with all of the actors, which I love.
Q: Do you have a favorite on-set moment or story you can share?
A: Well yesterday was pretty fun. It was a beautiful day in New York, and we were shooting outside, by Radio City. Also, I got to say ”make room, police!” That was an exciting first.
Q: Episode 10 of this season of Law & Order became an ER reunion, with your former co-star Mekhi Phifer guest starring and Eriq Lasalle directing. What was it like reuniting with Mekhi and Eric and working together again?
A: Eriq La Salle directed my very first episode of the show, so it was so nice to see a familiar face. He’s a wonderful director and really guided me creatively in establishing this character. I’m deeply grateful for that. And Mekhi, well, I love Mekhi Phifer. Full stop. He brought such a quiet and powerful presence to the role. Acting with him again was incredible, plus he’s super fun to hang out with.
Q: What do you admire most about Lt. Brady?
A: I like Brady because she’s a woman who has not relied on charm to get ahead in this world. I think her work is her life at the moment, and while I personally don’t think that’s a particularly healthy way to live, it’s fun to play someone with such a singular focus. I can’t really picture what she does on her days off.
Q: What is your favorite episode of Law & Order?
A: That’s an impossible question!
Catch Maura Tierney as Lt. Jessica Brady on Law & Order Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC, and stream episodes the next day on Peacock.
