History of Dann Florek in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 28, 2026

Dann Florek is an American actor and film director recognized for his portrayal of Captain Donald Cragen in the *Law & Order* franchise, specifically *Law & Order* and *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*. He's also known for playing Dave Meyer in *L.A. Law* from 1988 to 1993. His career is primarily defined by his roles in television crime dramas.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 1, 1950: Dann Florek's Birth

On May 1, 1950, Ezekial Dann Florek was born. He is an American actor and film director.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Role in L.A. Law

In 1988, Dann Florek began playing the role of Dave Meyer on L.A. Law.

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1990: Co-starring in Law & Order

In 1990, Dann Florek began co-starring as Capt. Don Cragen in the NBC series Law & Order.

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1992: Law & Order's Ratings

In 1992, Law & Order had mediocre ratings.

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1993: Firing from Law & Order

At the close of the 1992-1993 season, Dann Florek was fired from Law & Order after NBC requested the addition of women to the cast.

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1993: Departure from L.A. Law

In 1993, Dann Florek's role as Dave Meyer on L.A. Law concluded.

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1994: Directing Law & Order

In 1994, Dann Florek was allowed to direct a few episodes of Law & Order.

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1995: Reprising Role in "Bad Faith"

In 1995, Dann Florek reprised his role as Cragen in the Law & Order episode "Bad Faith", which he also directed.

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1995: Directing Law & Order

In 1995, Dann Florek was allowed to direct a few episodes of Law & Order.

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1998: Appearance in Exiled: A Law & Order Movie

In 1998, Dann Florek reprised the role of Cragen in the TV-movie Exiled: A Law & Order Movie.

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1999: Return to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

In 1999, Dann Florek returned to the role of Cragen in the Law & Order spin-off series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

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December 13, 2008: Honorary Bachelor of Arts

On December 13, 2008, Dann Florek received an honorary Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Michigan University.

December 14, 2008: Honorary Doctorate of Arts

On December 14, 2008, Dann Florek received an honorary Doctorate of Arts from Eastern Michigan University and was the keynote speaker at the school's winter commencement ceremony.