Jesse L. Martin to leave 'Law and Order'

The 39-year-old Martin has appeared on at least 192 episodes of the popular TV series since 1999, according to IMDB.  The New York Post is reporting that Anthony Anderson ("The Shield") is a possible replacement for Martin.

Martin is scheduled to play Marvin Gaye in the upcoming film "Sexual Healing," starring James Gandolfini as his promoter Freddy Cousaert.  Martin, who sings as well as acts, also starred in the 2005 film adaptation of the Broadway musical Rent.  He has received several SAG nominations (Ensemble) and seven Image Award nominations (Outstanding Actor) for his work on the show.

His departure would leave S. Epatha Merkerson as the only remaining African-American regular cast member of the show until Martin is replaced.  Her character, Lt. Anita Van Buren, is the longest running African American character in an American television drama.  She started playing the role in 1993.