Actors Who Appeared On Law & Order Before They Were Stars

Viola Davis Played Recurring Defense Attorney Donna Emmett

Like many before her, Viola Davis took roles that would help her gain experience in Hollywood. She appeared in several episodes of Law & Order as recurring character Donna Emmett. She played the defense attorney who was tasked with working with some of the show’s more unsavory criminals, pitting her up against the Manhattan district attorney’s office. The role required very little. She would defend her clients with whatever argument she could muster. She also appeared in SVU and Criminal Intent. Davis later earned a Tony, Emmy and Academy Award. She’s known these days for her hit series How To Get Away With Murder.