Beach leaving "Law & Order: SVU" after one season

By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Adam Beach is departing NBC's crime drama "Law & Order: SVU" at the end of the season.

Beach joined Dick Wolf's crime drama last fall under a one-year deal, which had an option for a second. The two sides have decided not to exercise the option.

"I very much enjoyed my year on 'Law & Order: SVU'," Beach said. "Now I'm looking forward to new adventures."

Beach joined "L&O: SVU" on the heels of his starring role in Wolf's Emmy-winning HBO film "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," which earned the actor a Golden Globe nomination.

Beach's departure follows the news that another regular on the show, veteran Diane Neal, also is exiting the series. She reportedly told crew members that she was fired, according to TVGuide.com

It is understood that Neal's A.D.A. Casey Novak will be replaced with a new Assistant District Attorney character to be introduced next season. Beach's role is not expected to be recast.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter