Gail O'Grady "NYPD Blue" Encore

Gail O'Grady "NYPD Blue" Encore

From Still Here Hollywood by Steve Kmetko, Still Here Network

August 31, 2026 · 36 min · Episode 155

About this episode

Gail O'Grady discusses her career, personal experiences, and reflections on her time in Hollywood.

Gail O’Grady became one of television’s most recognizable faces as Donna Abandando on the groundbreaking ABC drama NYPD Blue. In this encore episode of Still Here Hollywood, Gail joins Steve Kmetko for a candid conversation about the role that changed her career, why she decided to leave the hit series, and why she now wishes she had stayed longer. Gail also remembers legendary producer Steven Bochco, reveals the unusual way she created Donna for her NYPD Blue audition, talks about working with Sharon Lawrence, and shares stories from Desperate Housewives, Law & Order: SVU, Boston Legal and more. She opens up about becoming a mother in her 40s, moving back to Chicago to care for her father, the confidence she wishes she had when she was younger, and the advice she has passed along to her son. Plus, Gail recalls getting actually slapped while filming Desperate Housewives, being starstruck by Henry Winkler during her first days in Hollywood, meeting one of her acting heroes, Anne Bancroft, and working on J.J. Abrams’ Duster. 00:00 Gail O’Grady on Still Here Hollywood 01:03 Success and Emmy Recognition on NYPD Blue 02:06 Why Gail O’Grady Left NYPD Blue 02:49 The Decision She Now…

People in this episode

Host: Steve Kmetko

Guest: Gail O'Grady

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: NYPD Blue, Desperate Housewives, Law & Order: SVU, Boston Legal, Duster

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