Gail O'Grady "NYPD Blue" Encore

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 Regrets

03:05 Remembering Steven Bochco

04:10 How Gail Landed NYPD Blue

06:18 Sharon Lawrence and the NYPD Blue Cast

07:03 Leaving Los Angeles