Over the years, Sandy Duncan has guest starred on both “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” She made a cameo appearance during a Season 6 episode of “Law & Order” titled “Paranoia,” which follows the investigation into the murder of a college student. Duncan portrays a tenacious defense attorney named Michelle “Shelly” Kates, who goes head-to-head with Jack McCoy (Sam Waterson) after the case takes a shocking turn.
Although her part on the original “Law & Order” was just a one-off, Duncan later appeared in two episodes of the spin-off “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” as a trial judge named Virginia Farrell. Her first appearance occurs in the Season 16 episode “American Disgrace,” which follows the team as they investigate disturbing claims being made against a famous athlete. When it’s discovered that the case is based on lies, Judge Farrell graciously handles the proceedings and helps an innocent man escape racist persecution. Duncan reprises her role as Judge Farrell a few episodes later in an installment titled “December Solstice,” which delves into the web of lies surrounding an aging writer and his family.
Since Duncan has had such an impressive career, it makes sense that the minds behind the show would cast her as women with power and influence. Even though it’s been a while since she made an appearance, it will be interesting to see if Duncan makes a comeback to the franchise in the future.
