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The Dick Wolf universe has built one of television’s most intricate procedural landscapes, spanning decades, cities, and interconnected storylines. From Law & Order to Chicago and FBI, Wolf has created a network of shows where characters and actors frequently cross paths, delighting loyal fans.

Wolf’s TV Empire

Dick Wolf began his career as a writer on Hill Street Blues in 1985 and rose to fame with the creation of Law & Order in 1990. The franchise expanded with multiple spinoffs, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 1999.

In 2012, Wolf launched the Chicago universe with Chicago Fire, followed by Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and Chicago Justice. He later added the FBI universe, consisting of FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International.

Actors Who Crossed Over

Some actors have become Wolf regulars, appearing in multiple shows or playing different roles across the universes:

• Juliana Aiden Martinez played Detective Kate Silva on SVU (2024–2025) before joining FBI Season 8 in a new role.

• Jesse Lee Soffer starred as Detective Jay Halstead on Chicago P.D. and crossed over to Chicago Fire and Chicago Med. He later led FBI: International as Supervisory Special Agent Wes Mitchell.

• Charlotte Sullivan appeared on Chicago Fire as Nurse Anna Turner, then joined Law & Order: Organized Crime before cameoing on FBI as Special Agent Jessica Blake.

• Christopher Meloni returned to the Wolf universe as Detective Elliott Stabler on Law & Order: Organized Crime after 12 seasons on SVU.

• Ice-T began in Wolf’s short-lived series Players (1997–1998) before joining SVU as Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola, eventually earning a sergeant promotion.

• Shantel VanSanten played Special Agent Nina Chase on FBI and appeared across FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted.

• Mariska Hargitay has portrayed Detective Olivia Benson on SVU since 1999 and crossed over into Organized Crime and the Chicago universe.

• Jeremy Sisto began as Detective Cyrus Lupo on Law & Order and later joined FBI as Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine.

Legacy Characters and Returning Faces

Several actors have reprised iconic roles or appeared in multiple series:

• Dann Florek as Captain Donald Cragen appeared across Law & Order and SVU, later reuniting with Meloni on Organized Crime.

• Tamara Tunie became familiar as Dr. Melinda Warner on SVU and appeared in Chicago Fire and Organized Crime.

• Dylan McDermott shifted from villain Richard Wheatley on Organized Crime to Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott on FBI: Most Wanted.

• Alana De La Garza reprised ADA Connie Rubirosa on Law & Order and now stars as Special Agent in Charge Isobel Castille on FBI.

• S. Epatha Merkerson transitioned from Lt. Anita Van Buren on Law & Order to Sharon Goodwin on Chicago Med.

• Stephanie March played ADA Alexandra Cabot on SVU and Conviction, while Chris Noth and Josh Pais portrayed recurring characters across multiple Law & Order shows.

• Julianne Nicholson, James McCaffrey, and Philip Winchester also exemplify Wolf’s casting pattern, returning in different roles or shows within the universe.

Why Fans Love the Crossovers

These crossovers give fans continuity and excitement, allowing familiar characters to reappear in new storylines while exploring different cities and departments. Wolf’s universe rewards attentive viewers, creating connections between shows that span decades.

Whether through recurring characters, guest appearances, or entirely new roles, the Dick Wolf universe continues to blend its franchises, keeping audiences engaged across crime procedurals, legal dramas, and city-based storylines.