What's the connection between HBO Dramas and "Law and Order" ?

Question

I can't be the only one who's noticed that actors from all of the Law and Order flavors end up on HBO a lot, and vice-versa. Especially Oz.

Characters from Oz that were/are on Law and Order: Schillinger, Chris Keller, Fr. Macchado, Miguel Alvarez, Ryan O'Reilly, and Cyril, Saeed and Beecher had one-episode parts.

From the Sopranos: Christopher, Gloria Truillo, Jackie Jr. was on for a couple of episodes, Bobby, I know there's more

So what's the connection? I admit I haven't totally memorized the credits but I've watched them a couple of times and nothing jumps out...

Any theories? And if I've missed characters that have "crossed over," please post them... I'm really not sure why this has become a favorite trivia for me, but it has!

Answer 1

It's all in the director, writers, producers hands.

Christopher Meloni, BD Wong, and a few other people were on OZ before they came to Law and Order SVU.

Just look at imdb.com and look at both shows (OZ and Law and Orders) and find the connections.

Answer 2

many of the shows are produced in n.y. area and many actors are hired regionally. some producers like to use certain actore in their shows,so some faces turn up frequently