Jeff Goldblum Talks About Law and Order CI

Detective Zach Nichols Introduced on L&O Criminal Intent on USA

May 3, 2009 Christine Nyholm

Actor Jeff Goldblum recently discussed his new role as Detective Zach Nichols on USA Law and Order: Criminal Intent and acting.

Law and Order: Criminal Intent has returned to USA Network for the 8th season of the long running of the offshoot of the Law and Order franchise created by Dick Wolf. Jeff Goldblum has been introduced as Detective Zach Nichols, filling a spot left vacant by actor Christopher Noth (Mr. Big in Sex in the City).

In a recent conference call question and answer interview, Jeff Goldblum graciously and enthusiastically answered questions about his role as Detective Zach Nichols and the counter part of the Robert Goren character portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio, his start in acting and his passion for the craft of acting. Interview with Jeff Goldblum.

Detective Zach Nichols Portrayed by Jeff Goldblum

Zach Nichols, as portrayed by Jeff Goldblum, is an analytical and quirky character. In Law & Order: CI Rock Star, the character is introduced as the former partner of Captain Danny Ross (Eric Bogosian) who left the police force for several years for reasons that are not disclosed. Captain Ross Tells Nichols new partner Detective Megan Wheeler (Julianne Nicholson) that Nichols is a brilliant detective, but it takes some time for her to see it, at one point asking the captain when the brilliant part was going to start.

When asked if viewers would see some of his sense of humor in the Law and Order series, Goldblum replied that Law and Order has a brilliant staff of writers and that some touches of humor would be seen Goldblum described his character as a serious character that is very passionate about solving crimes.

Goldblum was asked to describe the character of Zach Nichols and he responded that Zach Nichols was an intuitive detective. Both of his parents were shrinks, so he was raised in an analytical atmosphere with an interest in learning what makes people tick.

In Law and Order Rock Star, the storyline was about murders among rock musicians in New York City. As part of the story, Goldblum was able to take the keyboard and amaze the musicians with his musical skill. When asked if he was nervous about playing the piano on screen, he replied that he would not particularly nervous, but was happy that they were able to work it into the story.

Jeff Goldblum on Acting

Goldblum was asked what advice he would give someone who wanted to get into acting and he responded that people with a passion for storytelling and who could not be happy doing anything else should pursue the craft. He went on to say that it would be a very bad bet to go into acting for money and glory. Actors may not go into movies or TV, but they can practice their craft in community theaters and find satisfaction. Jeff Goldblum talks about acting.

Cast of Law and Order: CI

• Vincent D'Onofrio as Detective Robert Goren
• Katherine Erbe as Detective Eames
• Jeff Goldblum as Detective Zach Nichols
• Julianne Nicholson as Detective Megan Wheeler
• Eric Bogosian as Captain Danny Ross

Production

• Walon Green Executive Producer
• Ed Zuckermann Executive Producer
• John David Coles Executive Producer
• Created by Dick Wolf

Law and Order: Criminal Intent airs on USA Network on Sunday nights at 9 PM ET.

The copyright of the article Jeff Goldblum Talks About Law and Order CI in Celebrities/Pop Culture is owned by Christine Nyholm. Permission to republish Jeff Goldblum Talks About Law and Order CI in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Jeff Goldblum