Raul Esparza Departs LAW & ORDER: SVU After Six Seasons
It was reported this evening that Tony-nominated actor, Raul Esparza, has announced his departure from the long-running NBC drama, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Esparza's character, Assistant District Attorney Barba, made his final appearance on the series this week. Following the conclusion to the episode, Esparza tweeted a goodbye to the character, cast, and crew.
Showrunner, Michael Chernuchin, released a statement on Esparza's departure, stating: "It has truly been an honor writing for Raúl. The power, sensitivity and morality he brought to the character of Rafael Barba never failed to elevate our scripts. Raúl is family and we look forward to seeing his talent shine in new projects. As for Barba, SVU fans may see him again soon."
In 2012, Esparza became a recurring character on the long-running NBC drama series. In 2013, his character became the first series regular ADA since the 11th season and the first regular male ADA in series history.
Goodbye Barba. Thank you. You changed my life. My squad. And you, you always, my Liv, my friend Mariska. I will always treasure my time with all of you. #SVU #BarbaOnTrial
- Raúl E. Esparza (@RaulEEsparza) February 8, 2018
Raúl Esparza was nominated for Tony Awards for his performances in Speed-the-Plow, The Homecoming, Company and Taboo. His other Broadway credits include Leap of Faith,Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Arcadia, Chess, The Rocky Horror Show and Cabaret. He starred in the Encores! production of Anyone Can Whistle.
|
|
From This Author - A.A. Cristi
A.A. Cristi is a graduate of the College of Staten Island with a degree in Communications/Journalism. She has performed both onstage and behind the scenes with La MaMa Experimental Theater Clu... (read more about this author)

January 7, 2023
2023 is officially here! Head into the new year with advice from A Strange Loop, WICKED, Kimberly Akimbo, Beetlejuice, Funny Girl, Hadestown and more!

January 2, 2023
See video of memorable musical numbers from from A Star Is Born, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Back To The Future, Hocus Pocus and more Hollywood classics!

December 31, 2022
One of the greatest comedic storytellers, at the top of his game. Following his award-winning show The New One, Mike Birbiglia has returned to Broadway with a coming-of-middle-age story about when life takes a dive - into a highly-chlorinated YMCA pool. Propelled by his singular, insightful voice and everyman style, Mike Birbiglia has quickly become one of the most popular names in standup as well as an accomplished actor, author, and filmmaker.

December 30, 2022
From Indiana Jones to The Office, check out videos of BroadwayWorld's favorite found show tunes in film and television history!

December 10, 2022
Musical genres from all over the spectrum have hit our stages this season! From the rock stars of Almost Famous to the witches of Wicked, find the show that best suits your musical taste!