Elizabeth Rodgers, the Medical Examiner from 'Law & Order,' Looks Totally Different Now

Leslie Hendrix, 51, has been playing Dr. Elizabeth Rodgers on “Law & Order” for 19 years and still looks happy and healthy.

Actress Leslie Hendrix has been playing Dr. Elizabeth Rodgers, a medical examiner, from the hit television series “Law & Order” for the past 19 years, giving her the title of the longest running recurring character in “the franchise.”

Her character as Rodgers was a smart yet somewhat mean examiner who allowed detectives to “do their own examinations” and guess wisely based on the result. She was also speculated to have had a relationship with Detective Lenny Briscoe, who was portrayed by the late Jerry Orbach.

Hendrix revealed that she originally auditioned for the role of a lawyer, not knowing what a medical examiner even was, yet she got the part and played it ever since.

“I auditioned to be an attorney. I didn’t even know what a medical examiner was when I first started,” said Hendrix. “I had no idea it would last this long. I thought it was a one-time gig.”

Although she wasn’t in every scene, she played a part which watchers remember, yet her name, apparently, never appeared in the credits, making her a less known actress. Nevertheless, she loves her job and colleagues.

“I love the cast, and I love the crew, and I’m really sad to see this go,” she said of “Criminal Intent.” “I love my job.”

Last month, “Law and Order: SVU” was renewed for a 21st season, making it the longest-running-live-action series in history, overtaking “Law and Order” and “Gunsmoke,” which both ran for 20 seasons.

The series began in 1999 and has been successfully running since, showcasing stories that revolve around crime investigation involving child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

"We want it to go another five or six years, becoming the longest-running show in history," said Michael Chernuchin, the showrunner.