Ice-T has broken his silence to explain why NBC has reduced his role on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
So far, Ice-T, who plays Fin, has only appeared in four of the eight episodes of season 27.
TMZ spoke with Ice-T in an interview about why his character has limited his TV time.
It’s just basically business,” Ice-T said. “They brought Kelli back. At the end of the day, they couldn’t keep both of us on both times. Asfar as budget-wise.”Ice-T was referring to Kelli Giddish. She played detective Amanda Rollins from seasons 13 to 24, before the writers wrote her off.
“They said, ‘Ice, we’ll have you come in and out this year.’ Everybody wanted Kelli back. We have new cops. I am not leaving the show. I am more concerned with going to Season 28. This year, they said, ‘Ice, we’re going to work you a little less.’
Ice-T continued: “Everything was cool with me.”
“I understood. I said, ‘Are you getting rid of me?’ They said, ‘No way. We can’t imagine “Law and Order” without you,’” Ice-T continued. “I’ve been on this show for 27 years. I am not going to say anything negative about this show. They have taken care of me for so long. I’m trying to get to Season 28.”
Ice-T said that the free time has allowed him to work on new music.
Ice-T went on: “Don’t worry about me. I am kind of glad the fans are upset. What if I was missing and nobody cared?” I will be sprinkled throughout this season.”
Ice-T has portrayed Sergeant Odafin “Fin” Tutuola since the show’s second season. He is the second-longest running character on the series after Captain Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay.
Ice-T is the second-longest running character on the series after Captain Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay.