Popular All My Children star Kim Delaney (ex-Jenny Gardner) is returning to television in one of her most iconic roles: the Pennsylvania native has reprised her NYPD Blue character, Diane Russell, for ABC's possible continuation of the police drama that ran from 1993 to 2005.
The new version of the series, which ABC gave a pilot production commitment to back in October, will follow former main character Andy Sipowicz's son, Theo, as he tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father's murder.
Delaney has signed on to once again play Detective Russell, an Emmy-winning role she held on the original series from season two to season eight, and again from season eleven to season twelve. Meanwhile, Bill Brochtrup is also returning to the role of Police Administrative Assistant John Irvin, which he played from season two to season twelve.
"Diane Russel is back!" enthuses Delaney on Instagram. "So excited!"
Delaney and Brochtrup join previously announced new cast member Alona Tal, who will play female lead Detective Nicole Lazarus.
Original NYPD Blue writers and executive producers Matt Olmstead and Nick Wootton will write and executive produce the new show, with Jesse Bochco -- son of NYPD Blue co-creator Steven Bochco -- executive producing and directing. The pilot is being considered for a potential fall 2019 launch or possible next year mid-season debut.
The original NYPD Blue won 20 Primetime Emmy Awards during its twelve-year run, including best drama series. It was often lauded for its realistic portrayal of cops' lives.
Delaney played AMC's beloved teen Jenny from August 1981 to August 1984, which earned her a Daytime Emmy Award nomination as well as a very loyal fan base. After her long-running NYPD Blue role, Delaney went on to accept a major role in the series Army Wives and has appeared on shows such as The O.C., The Oath, Philly, and Chicago Fire.
What do you think about Delaney reprising her role as NYPD Blue's Diane Russell for ABC's possible continuation of the cop series? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
