The recent release of Law & Order Season 24 has introduced a new era in the long-running show. After a contentious season 23 finale, fans expressed much concern regarding the fate of Lieutenant Kate Dixon. Actress Camryn Manheim‘s unexpected departure eventually materialized in the season 24 premiere, effectively ousting Dixon from the show. But why did Manheim leave the series in the first place? And how was Dixon’s exit explained in the latest installment of Law & Order?
Here are all the details regarding Manheim’s departure from the police procedural series and how the creators handled her character’s exile.
Why did Kate Dixon’s actress, Camryn Manheim, leave Law & Order?
Camryn Manheim reportedly chose to leave Law & Order to pursue other acting opportunities.
The Ghost Whisperer star announced her decision a week before the release of Season 23’s finale. Manheim took to Instagram to convey that she is leaving Law & Order. In her parting note, the actress thanked her co-stars and also highlighted her gratifying experience with the series over three seasons.
Salary issues reportedly drove Manheim’s decision to leave Law & Order, and she was dissatisfied with the diminishing story arcs surrounding her character. However, the Hollywood veteran has yet to officially provide a comment regarding her unexpected exit.
What happened to Kate Dixon in Law & Order Season 24?
In the wake of Manheim’s departure, Lieutenant Kate Dixon received an off-screen goodbye from the creators of the fan-favorite series. The first episode of Season 24 sees Detectives Jalen Shaw and Vincent Riley investigate a gruesome murder. While conducting the required proceedings, the duo is greeted by Lieutenant Jessica Brady, played by Maura Tierney.
It is then that the 27th Precinct officers and the audience learn of Dixon’s departure. Brady also notifies them of her replacement and proceeds to forward a hoard of instructions for the investigating team.
Dixon later notifies Shaw and Riley of her sudden disappearance via a text message. The character, portrayed by Camryn Manheim since 2022, explains that she has relocated to Florida alongside her son Patrick after the latter accepted a lucrative employment offer there.
With Camryn Manheim officially leaving Law & Order for good, the 1990 series will be gearing towards a new direction under the leadership of Maura Tierney’s Lieutenant Brady.