Casting Director Renee Godbout on how Chris Noth is the ideal Hollywood star

For the past week and a half I have been completely addicted to the Olympics, but I took time out last Sunday to watch the last new episode of Law & Order Criminal Intent with Chris Noth. The season I started casting extras for this show was the same season Chris Noth joined the cast! His character, Detective Mike Logan, will be missed, just as he was when he left the regular Law & Order in 1995 after 5 years.

Three years ago Vincent D’Onofrio was exhausted and considered quitting his work on Law & Order Criminal Intent. He was a film actor who had turned into a TV star but was unaccustomed to the long 22 episode work schedule. The last few seasons had taken a toll on him so Dick Wolf came up with a solution. He successfully did what no other TV show has done, which is alternate its leads week after week. To pull off such a grand scheme he needed another actor that would draw in an audience, like D’Onofrio. His decision to bring back Chris Noth and his character brought in a new audience and refreshed all of the actors involved.

Chris Noth, who many women know better as Mr. Big, was able to hold onto the Criminal Intent audience and add his own style to the show. People tuned in weekly, whether they were catching D'Onfrio, Kathryn Erbe, or Chris Noth. It was an attractive job for all actors involved, giving them the opportunity to spend more time with family and work on additional projects. The more open schedule made it much easier for Noth to film the summer hit Sex and the City: The Movie.

Although Criminal Intent survived Chris Noth came on the scene, and I’m sure it’ll continue to be successful without him, there will still be something missing. Not only was he a wonderful presence on the show, but he was also an actor that believed in giving back to the crew who he worked with. Each year he was on the show he hosted a holiday and second wrap party for the crew at one of his NYC clubs. His appreciation for the people who worked side by side with him is something I will always respect and remember.

Let his story be an inspirational lesson to you InstantCasters. It takes charisma, talent, and respect to be a true star.

Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.

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