L.A. Law Stars: Where Are They Now And What Are They Doing?

For eight straight seasons, legal drama L.A. Law was one of the biggest TV shows during the late eighties and the early nineties. But whatever happened to the stars who worked at the McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and Kuzak law firm?

One of the main characters of the show was seasoned lawyer Ann Kelsey who was played by actress Jill Eikenberry. She received a staggering five Emmy Award nominations and also won a Golden Globe award in 1989.

Eikenberry has remained an active actress even beyond her years spent on L.A. Law. The actress experienced somewhat of a renaissance in the 00’s after starring on other TV shows such as Judging Amy, Numb3rs and Law & Order. One of her most recent standout performances came in 2011’s Young Adult. But Eikenberry is not the only member of her family to star on TV. In fact, she isn’t the only one in her family to star in L.A. Law…

Eikenberry’s husband Michael Tucker also starred on the show as tax attorney Stuart Markowitz. The couple were even an item throughout the entirety of the show’s run. Also, like his wife, Tucker was a big hit with both fans and critics. During his time on the show, he had two Golden Globe nominations and three Emmy Award nominations. He also starred in movies such as Radio Days in between shooting episodes for the show.

Although he was not as active as his wife, Tucker also had minor success on the big screen after the show came to an end. The actor made appearances in movies such as D2: The Mighty Ducks and Cold Souls. And like Eikenberry, he reprised his role as Stuart Markowitz in 2002’s L.A. Law: The Movie. Tucker is also quite the foodie, having cook books published such as 1995’s I Never Forget A Meal: An Indulgent Reminiscence.

Alan Rachins was a mainstay on the show for the entirety of its run, playing Managing Partner, Douglas Brackman Jr. His character often provided comic relief in a show that would tend to sway towards the serious side of the law industry. But before his top billing role on L.A. Law, Rachins actually spent a lot of time writing material for shows such as The Fall Guy, Knight Rider and Hart To Hart.

A couple years after the show came to an end, Rachins ended up on the hit comedy Dharma & Greg, playing one of the title character’s parents, Larry. Rachins also had a string of minor performances in TV shows such as Happy Endings, Rizzoli & Isles and The Crazy Ones. He even took his chances in animation, lending his voice to portray the character Norman Osborn in the cartoon show The Spectacular Spider-Man. Rachins is also a member of Mensa.

The lead character of the show was Leland McKenzie, played by Richard Dysart. One of the founding partners of McKenzie Brackman, Dysart starred in L.A. Law for the entirety of its run, including the movie, which was released in 2002. The actor won an Emmy in 1992 for his performance as McKenzie. He was renowned for bringing a cool and collected presence to what could often be a very tense and dramatic show.

Despite being the main character of the show, Dysart didn’t go on to star in many other projects during the remainder of his career. However, he did make a couple of appearances in hit movies such as Wall Street and Back To The Future III while he was still doing the show. He also starred in shows such as The Hospital and Being There. Sadly, after enduring a long illness in his later years, Dysart passed away in 2015.

One of the most popular stars of the show was Harry Hamlin who portrayed Michael Kuzak. A graduate of Yale, Kuzak has a reputation as a ruthless practitioner of law who moved up the ranks before joining McKenzie’s firm. Most notably, Kuzak was the romantic interest of Susan Dey’s character, Grace Van Owen, who was a District Attorney on the show. Before snapping the role of Kuzak, Hamlin starred in 1981’s Clash Of The Titans as Perseus.

His work on L.A. Law earned him the reputation as one of the most beloved men on TV. In 1987, even People Magazine recognized him for his looks. After the show came to a close, Hamlin starred in other TV shows such as 1997 sitcom Ink and mystery drama Veronica Mars. Most recently, Hamlin’s career came full circle when he appeared in 15 episodes of the hit AMC show Mad Men. Ironically, he was an attorney and part of a rival law firm.

Despite not guest appearing in the final season, Susan Ruttan was virtually a main stay throughout the entirety of the show’s run. She played secretary Roxanne Melman, who had to deal with Arnie Becker’s foul ways for the good part of a decade. Her performances garnered much critical acclaim and Ruttan received two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a supporting role. She was also nominated four times for an Emmy.

When the show came to an end, Ruttan took somewhat of a hiatus in terms of high-profile projects. However, it was in the 2000s when the actress returned to the big time and starred in some of the most famous shows of the last twenty years. These include Grey’s Anatomy, Boston Legal, CSI: NY, Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Gilmore Girls, to name a few. Most recently, Ruttan made a cameo on the hit fantasy TV show, Grimm in 2015.

Actor Larry Drake had the challenging task of playing a developmentally disabled character by the name of Benny Stulwicz. Originally having a recurring role from season two, Drake would soon enough become a part of the main cast all the way until the show’s end. Amazingly, he nailed the part and his performance and convinced fans of the show so well that he won two Emmys. But where is Drake now after all these years?

It was during his time in L.A. Law that Drake also had a chance to prove his worth on big screen. He portrayed the villain Robert Durant alongside Liam Neeson in the 1990 comic-book movie Darkman. But ever since leaving the show, Drake didn’t stop working in cinema, starring in movies such as American Pie 2. But he always stayed true to his roots, working on TV shows like Six Feet Under and Boston Legal. Sadly, Drake passed away in 2016.

Cecil Hoffman is probably best known for her portrayal of Zoey Clemmons, a district attorney. She was on an impressive 26 episodes of L.A. Law, meaning that she was a regular fixture for three straight seasons, but narrowly missed out on the final season. Although being a minor character compared to many of the other big guns of the show, Clemmons had good on screen chemistry with characters such as C.J. Lamb and Tommy Mullaney.

Outside of the legal show, Hoffman has starred in hit movies such as Stargate and also worked alongside Kurt Russell in 1993’s western Tombstone. Another TV show that Hoffman made appearances on towards the end of its run was the late eighties crime drama Wiseguy. She was even able to work with the likes of the legendary George Clooney, having a three-episode character arc in the hit medical drama E.R. She also appeared in the show Family Law.

One of the only British stars to appear on the show, Amanda Donohoe had a rich history in theatre before getting her big break in L.A. Law. She also appeared in music videos for Adam and the Ants such as “Antmusic” and “Stand and Deliver.” But when she burst onto the scene with her role as C.J. Lamb, Donohoe blew the minds of critics and fans alike. In 1992, she won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.

Since L.A. Law came to an end, Donohoe has made a name for herself in shows such as Murder City and Bad Girls. But it is her role as Natasha Wylde in the British soap opera Emmerdale that many will recognize her for. She has also returned to her theatre roots, playing the coveted role of Mrs. Robinson in a stage rendition of the movie The Graduate. Her biggest film role came in Jim Carrey’s Liar Liar.

Another British star to the grace the legal show is Michael Cumpsty. Funnily, his role was credited as a “killer litigator.” As it is revealed in the show, Frank establishes a close relationship with Sheila Kelly’s character Gwen Taylor. However, their time together would come to a bitter end and by the end of the season, Frank was out of the picture. But this wouldn’t be the end of Michael Cumpsty’s acting career…

The reality is that Michael Cumpsty’s best work has not come on the small screen but on Broadway. The actor has appeared in a variety of successful productions such as La Bete, Timon of Athens, The Heiress and Copenhagen. But his finest hour came in 2012 when he starred in the play End Of The Rainbow. His performance earned him a Tony Award nomination for Featured Performance. In TV, Cumpsty also had a role in Star Trek Voyager.

Long before her brief time spent on L.A. Law, Conchata Ferrell made cameos on popular shows such as The Rockford Files and B.J. And The Bear. But in 1988, Ferrell got her big break when she was given the chance to play the role of Susan Bloom aka Lorna Landsberg. In just one season, she had a massive impact on the show and even got nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama.

In more recent times, Conchata Ferrell is probably best known for her role as a Berta the housekeeper in CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men. For the entirety of its run, she worked alongside the likes of Charlie Sheen and John Cryer as the lady cleaning up after all their monkey business. She even received two Emmy nominations for her performances on the show. She also had a regular role on the early nineties show Hearts Afire.

Before starring on a couple of seasons of L.A. Law, A. Martinez was already a seasoned pro after starring in a string of movies in the seventies and eighties. These included western flicks such as The Cowboys and Shoot The Sun Down. Martinez made his debut as partner Daniel Morales in the first episode of season seven, “L.A. Lawless.” He would star in 36 episodes but unfortunately did not make it to the series finale.

Despite not being able to appear all the way to the end of the show, Martinez had success elsewhere in the world of acting. A couple of years after the end of the show, he secured a recurring role in the primetime crime drama Profiler. And since 2012, Martinez has had a recurring role in the A&E Western crime drama, Longmire. In recent reports, it is believed that Martinez may join Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright in political drama House Of Cards.

Although Sheila Kelly’s portrayal of intern Gwen Taylor came halfway through the series and only lasted for a couple of seasons, her presence was certainly felt. During her time on L.A. Law, she also had time to star in a string of low-profile movies such as Soapdish, Passion Fish and even had an uncredited cameo in the dark comedy, So I Married An Axe Murderer. But she will be best remembered for her time spent on the legal drama.

After L.A. Law, Kelly’s career didn’t take any major rise or dive. She was simply able to lock down a decent acting career with a string of solid TV show appearances. Her next best role came in 1995 when she played Dr. Charlotte “Charley” Bennett in the show Sisters. Other notable appearances came in shows such as ER, The Sopranos, Lost and Gossip Girl. Kelly even wrote her own book. She called it The S Factor: Strip Workouts for Every Woman.

Despite only appearing in the show for the last four seasons, John Spencer was considered an important fixture during its home stretch. He portrayed the street-wise trial attorney Tommy Mullaney. Despite never been nominated for awards for his performances whilst on the show, Mullaney was a fan favorite and his witty humor brought a new edge to the show. But the creators would be unsuccessful in their attempts to bring him back for the 2002 film reunion.

After his time on the show, Spencer was about to put out some of his finest work to date. He was a star in hit action movies such as The Rock and Cop Land. Most importantly, he starred in 135 episodes of the hit political drama, The West Wing. He gained much recognition for his role as White House Chief of Staff, Leo McGarry. Sadly, after winning an Emmy Award for his role, he died just three years later.

For the entirety of its run, Corbin Bernsen played divorce attorney Arnie Becker. He was praised for bringing another dimension to the show with his sly, cunning ways. But before getting his break on the show, Bernsen was already recognized by the public for his role as Ken Graham in 1984’s Ryan’s Hope. During his time on L.A. Law, Bernsen also got the chance to star in the sports comedy movie Major League, portraying infielder Roger Dorn.

Even beyond his role as Arnie Becker, Bernsen continued to play Roger Dorn in Major League‘s sequels in 1994 and 1998, respectively. One of Bernsen’s most notable roles since his time on L.A. Law was in the form of Henry Spencer on the hit show Psych. He portrayed the character for eight consecutive seasons. One of his biggest movie appearances came in 2005 when he starred alongside Robert Downey Jr. in the dark comedy Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.

Despite only starring in the final season, there is no denying that Debi Mazar was one of the more high profile stars to grace the show. She portrayed Denise Iannello, a secretary in the show Civil Wars. However, due to poor ratings, the show was canceled after just two seasons. But fans took to Mazar’s character and L.A. Law‘s creators saw it as a great opportunity to bring her on the show.

Her brief time spent on the show was just the start of a career full of appearances in high profile movies. Mazar made cameos in flicks such as Goodfellas, Batman Forever, and Beethoven’s 2nd. But the best was yet to come, and Mazar was given her biggest role to date when she starred in over 50 episodes of Entourage. She currently stars on the TV Land comedy-drama Younger, and also has a Cooking Channel show with her husband, Gabriele Corcos, called Extra Virgin.

Before his finest hour as attorney Jonathan Rollins, Blair Underwood made appearances in hit shows such as Knight Rider, The Cosby Show and 21 Jump Street. But after joining the show in season two as the young Harvard Law School graduate, he would be firmly put on the map of TV’s finest up and coming actors. Before he knew it, it was 1991, and Underwood received a Golden Globe nomination for one of his finest performances on the show.

Underwood continued to grace the small screen long after his time on L.A. Law came to an end. He appeared in shows such as The New Adventures of Old Christine, Dirty Sexy Money and The Event. The actor also had his fair share of success in Hollywood, starring in nineties movies such as Set It Off, Gattaca and Deep Impact. Underwood even got lucky in the music industry. In 2006, his documentary The Inconvenient Truth won the Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album.

For the first five seasons of the show, Michele Greene was one of the standout performers. In 1989, she earned herself a nomination for an Emmy Award for her role as Abigail Perkins, a young attorney making a name for herself. After going through a tough marriage in her first season, Greene put herself on the map when her character shared a kiss with fellow female character C.J. Lamb, played by Amanda Donohoe.

Greene was one of the main cast to reprise her role in L.A. Law: The Movie. But the actress has also gone on to star in other movies such as 1994’s Heart Of A Child and 1996’s She Woke Up Pregnant. Despite this, Greene has also remained a popular figure on the small screen in shows such as CSI, Six Feet Under and Bones. And her talent does not stop there, as she has recorded two Latin music albums.

Jimmy Smits was on L.A. Law from the very first episode, portraying the young up and coming attorney Victor Fuentes. Smits would develop a following from critics and fans alike as a result of his hard hitting and suave performances. This would lead to him receiving a nomination for a Golden Globe and he also won an Emmy in 1990. Before L.A. Law, Smits made a guest appearance on the hit TV show Miami Vice.

Out of all the cast, Smits has had the most success since leaving the show in season six. He has starred in TV shows such as The West Wing and Sons of Anarchy. Smits got the chance to portray Bail Organa in two of the Star Wars movies, Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Most recently, Smits has made appearances in the Netflix sitcom The Get Down, as well as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

After her breakthrough role as teenager Lori Partridge in The Partridge Family, Susan Dey took her career to the next level when she was given the role of District Attorney Grace Van Owen. She was an instant hit with fans and critics alike, becoming one of the most popular characters on the show. Her performance as Van Owen earned her five Golden Globe nominations (winning in 1988) and three Emmy Award nominations.

Unfortunately, Dey did not last the entire series and left the show in 1992. This was swiftly followed by a significant role in the sitcom Love & War. Also, since her departure from L.A. Law, Dey has starred in a variety of movies such as Bed Of Lies and Blue River. She also reprised her role of Van Owen in the 2002 L.A. Law: The Movie. Most recently, Dey has appeared in two episodes of 2004’s crime drama Third Watch.