Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, February 9, 1991 TAG: 9102090534
SECTION: SPECTATOR PAGE: S-9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Executive producer David Kelley, who took over when co-creator Steven Bochco left two years ago, said he, too, is leaving the popular series after this season.
Kelley said he will remain with the program as a consultant, a title also held by Bochco.
"The truth is, I think the show can use change when you go into year six and year seven," Kelley said of the 5-year-old program, which won the Emmy last year for best drama series.
"You can't succeed in year eight and nine with the same voices," he said.
Dey, who plays attorney Grace Van Owen, has said for some time that this season would be her last. Smits, who plays Victor Sifuentes, and Hamlin, who plays Michael Kuzak, have not signed contracts for next season, Kelley said.
Talks with Smits and Hamlin are continuing.
"We hope Harry Hamlin returns, but if not, we wish him well. We have asked Jimmy Smits to make cameo appearances next season," Harris Katleman, Twentieth Century Television president, said.
The remaining members of the ensemble cast, including Jill Eikenberry, Corbin Bernsen and Richard Dysart, have signed on for another year.
by CNB