The Law & Order Character You Likely Forgot William H. Macy Played

Unlike a lot of New York thespians, William H. Macy does have the honor of having been cast in the very first "Law & Order" episode, "Everybody's Favorite Bagman." Macy commented in an interview with Television Academy that "[Law & Order] singlehandedly supported Off-Broadway [actors] to this day... that would pay the rent for a couple months and allow you to do another play." 

In the episode, Macy plays John McCormack, an Assistant U.S. Attorney that Stone (Michael Moriarty) consults about a case involving political corruption and parking meter fines. Stone gives the office the case, and later McCormack helps Stone and Robinette to try and incriminate Council officials.

Though originally produced in 1988 according to TV Insider, "Everybody's Favorite Bagman" actually aired on October 30, 1990 (via IMDb), with the release officially launching the first of Dick Wolf's television franchises. And while there are some clear differences in the pilot from the rest of the series, including Cragan's additional hair, Macy is already giving a perfect "Law & Order" guest star performance. He's professional, hits his lines perfectly, and acts like a veteran law enforcement official. You can't expect anything less from such a talented actor.