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Two familiar faces are joining the ABC’s pilot NYPD Blue, a new iteration of the iconic cop drama from 20th tV and ABC Studios. Kim Delaney will reprise her Emmy-winning role as Det. Diane Russell from the original series, while Bill Brochtrup will reprise his role as PAA John Irvin.
Delaney joined NYPD Blue as a recurring in Season 2 and was a series regular in Seasons 3-8 before leaving to topline another series for NYPD Blue co-creator/executive producer Steven Bochco, Philly. She then returned as a recurring in the final two seasons, 11-12. Brochtrup recurred on- and off- during Seasons 2-4 before becoming a series regular in Season 5 for the rest of the show’s 12-season run.
Delaney, who earned three Emmy nominations and a win in 1997 for NYPD Blue, is said to be the only lead actor from the original whose character was written into the sequel pilot, from NYPD Blue alums Matt Olmstead, Nick Wootton and Jesse Bochco, where she is expected to play a key role.
Brochtrup and Brochtrup join Alona Tal, who was recently cast as one of thew new leads in the cop drama.
The sequel revolves around Theo, the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz character from the original series, who tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder.
The pilot was written by Olmstead and Wootton. Bochco, son of NYPD Blue co-creator Steven Bochco, who helmed 10 episodes of the original series, is set to direct. All three executive produce, while Steven Bochco’s widow, Dayna Bochco, serves as a producer.
Like the original series, the followup revolves around a core group of 15th Precinct police officers/detectives.
Created by Bochco and David Milch, NYPD Blue debuted in 1993. It won 20 Emmy Awards from 84 nominations over its run, including best drama series, and was lauded for its realistic portrayal of cops’ lives.
NYPD Blue was a highlight in a long strong of collaborations Delaney had with Steve Bochco. “Steven changed my life. He made me think, laugh, cry, do better, be better,” Delaney wrote in a remembrance following Bochco’s death last year.
The actress, who has recurring roles on NBC’s Chicago Fire and The Oath for Sony Crackle, is repped by Gersh and managed by Zero Gravity Management and Link Entertainment.
Brochtrup recurred for 5 seasons on TNT’s Major Crimes as savvy police psychologist Dr. Joe Bowman, and is the artistic director of the Antaeus Theatre Company. He is repped by Emery Entertainment and SDB Partners.
