Law and Order SVU has a revolving door when it comes to most of its cast, so what was the reason behind Melinda Warner star Tamara Tunie\u2019s exit?<\/p>\n
The feisty medical examiner first showed up in 2000 and it was clear from the get-go she wasn\u2019t afraid to fight back and ruffle some feathers when needed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She was a key part of the NBC legal drama for several years with some major storylines, including almost having Detective Elliot Stabler (played by Christopher Meloni) sent to prison on murder charges in season eight\u2019s Dependent.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melinda also got into trouble herself when she was shot by grieving mother Sophie Gerard inside the morgue but thankfully, she survived the attack.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Even when Melinda did take a step back, she continued to pop up in the show from time to time and was last seen in 2019.<\/p>\n
Read more:\u00a0The Fall of the House of Usher star Zach Gilford was in Law and Order SVU<\/strong><\/p>\n Law and Order SVU often sees characters make dramatic exits from the drama but this wasn\u2019t the case for Melinda.<\/p>\n Actress Tunie was a regular from season seven to season 12 but she left the show as her character was demoted down to recurring in season 13.\u00a0<\/p>\n She was no longer featured in every episode, instead showing up every now and again, which meant Tunie had more time to work on other projects.\u00a0<\/p>\n She continued to help SVU until her final appearance in 2021, with the star having a whopping total of more than 200 credited episodes.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Since her departure, Tunie has gone on to feature in a number of high-profile shows and films.\u00a0<\/p>\n She first went on to appear in CBS\u2019 Blue Bloods as attorney Monica Graham in seasons seven and eight before she was abruptly killed off.\u00a0<\/p>\n Some of Tunie\u2019s other on-screen appearances include Better Call Saul, Black Earth Rising, Emergence, Harlem and See with Jason Momoa.\u00a0<\/p>\n Most recently, Tunie was behind Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston\u2019s mum in the biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody.<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n As of yet, Tunie doesn\u2019t appear to have any more projects lined up, going by her IMDb profile.\u00a0<\/p>\n In terms of Law and Order SVU, the show has already been given the green light for season 25.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, the earliest it will return is early 2024 due to the writers’ and actors\u2019 strikes in the US.\u00a0<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/20\/590x\/secondary\/Law-and-Order-SVU-exit-actress-tamara-tunie-melinda-warner-5009720.jpg?r=1697191474963\")
<\/p>\nWhy did Tamara Tunie leave Law and Order SVU as Melinda Warner?\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Everything you need to know about new Frasier Reboot from cast to storylines[EXPLAINER] <\/strong>
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce romance mocked by Jimmy Fallon with ‘condom’ jibe[REACTION] <\/strong>
Law and Order SVU season 25 closer to return with exciting update[UPDATE] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/20\/590x\/secondary\/Law-and-Order-SVU-exit-melinda-warner-recurring-character-season-13-5009721.jpg?r=1697191475012\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/20\/590x\/secondary\/Law-and-Order-SVU-exit-tamara-tunie-monica-graham-blue-bloods-5009722.jpg?r=1697191475074\")
<\/p>\n