The 1980s television landscape is often defined by the comfort of the sitcom—the communal laughter of Cheers, the sharp wit of The Golden Girls, and the blue-collar relatability of Roseanne. Yet, running parallel to these comedic titans was a seismic shift in television drama. It was a decade defined by the rise of the prestigious NBC ensemble piece, a genre that favored gritty realism, interconnected subplots, and moral ambiguity. Among these, few shows captured the zeitgeist quite like L.A. Law.
Premiering on September 15, 1986, the series centered on the fictional high-powered Los Angeles law firm of McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and Kuzak. Created by the legendary Steven Bochco—the visionary behind Hill Street Blues—and writing partner Terry Louise Fisher, the show served as a sophisticated, sometimes scandalous, mirror to the American legal system. Over its eight-season run, L.A. Law became a cultural phenomenon, snagging 15 Emmy Awards and cementing its place as a pillar of primetime television.
A Reluctant Leading Man
While the series launched the careers of future stars like Corbin Bernsen, Jimmy Smits, and Blair Underwood, its anchor was undeniably Harry Hamlin, who portrayed the idealistic attorney Michael Kuzak. At the time, Hamlin was already an established name in film, known for his work in the 1981 fantasy epic Clash of the Titans and the 1982 romantic drama Making Love.
Surprisingly, the role of Michael Kuzak was one Hamlin almost rejected entirely. "I actually turned it down multiple times for financial reasons because they didn’t have enough dough to pay me," Hamlin reveals in a candid conversation with Gold Derby. "But, also, I didn’t want to do a TV series. I didn’t watch much television. I’m not even sure I owned a television."
Hamlin’s hesitation was not merely about the medium; it was about the career path he had meticulously built. "At that time, television was this minor stepchild of film projects," he explains. However, after reading the pilot script, his resistance began to crumble. "To this day, it’s the best script I’ve ever read in my life."
Chronology of a Career-Defining Role
Hamlin’s journey with L.A. Law was a rollercoaster of creative fulfillment and industry frustration.
- 1986: L.A. Law premieres. Despite initial pay disputes, Hamlin accepts the role of Michael Kuzak after receiving assurances from Bochco regarding the show’s potential future earnings.
- 1987: The show hits its stride. Hamlin is named People magazine’s "Sexiest Man Alive," a title that thrusts him into a level of celebrity he found both shocking and intrusive.
- 1989: The show’s fourth season marks a creative shift as David Kelley takes on more responsibility, introducing the infamously difficult, tongue-twisting legal dialogue that became a hallmark of the series.
- 1991: After five seasons, Hamlin decides to exit the series. The departure was fueled by creative differences and a lack of support for his desire to transition into directing.
- 2021-Present: Discussions regarding a potential L.A. Law reboot surface. Hamlin confirms he was approached to return but declined, citing a preference for moving forward rather than backward.
The Art of the Performance: Crafting Michael Kuzak
One of the most fascinating aspects of Hamlin’s portrayal of Kuzak was the actor’s insistence on imbuing the character with personal quirks that were nowhere to be found in the original drafts.
"I brought quite a bit to the role that was not on the page," Hamlin notes. His decision to include a basketball hoop in his office was a personal touch, reflecting his own love for the game and, eventually, catching the eye of Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Perhaps the most iconic habit of the character—his constant snacking during conference room scenes—was entirely accidental. "In the pilot episode, there happened to be a sandwich lying on the table," Hamlin recalls. "Just as they called cut at the end of the scene, I reached over and grabbed it and they kept that in. I used that as inspiration to eat in every single conference room scene." This wasn’t just a character choice; it was a tactical one. By eating during his lines, Hamlin ensured that the editors couldn’t cut his dialogue, effectively forcing the production to keep his performance intact.
Behind the Scenes: The Gorilla Suit and Real-Life Drama
The show’s realism often stemmed from the personal lives of its cast and crew. In one of the most memorable moments from the first season, Michael Kuzak disrupts a wedding while dressed in a full gorilla suit.
The origin of this bizarre narrative arc was surprisingly grounded in reality. At the time, Hamlin was navigating a contentious legal battle regarding the custody of his son, Dimitri. "I just happened to mention to Steven [Bochco] that we had gone to court the week before, which happened to be Halloween," Hamlin explains. He described the tradition at the L.A. Superior Court where clerks and staff would dress in costumes, leading to surreal scenes where people in gorilla or werewolf suits would hand legal papers to judges. Bochco, sensing the comedic and dramatic potential, immediately wove the anecdote into the script.
The Professionalism of Chemistry
The central romance between Michael Kuzak and Grace Van Owen (played by Susan Dey) was a cornerstone of the show’s success. However, Hamlin clarifies that the intense chemistry perceived by audiences was a testament to their craft, not a reflection of their off-screen relationship. "We had a very professional relationship," he says. "We didn’t have a social relationship outside of the show. We just showed up and did our scenes together and then everyone said, ‘You have such great chemistry!’ So, what the heck? It worked."
Implications of Departure and Future Projects
Hamlin’s exit from L.A. Law after five seasons was, by his account, a relatively simple decision. "I was not fond of the people running the show," he admits. "They had misled me that we would all be OK and share in the success of the show, and that didn’t happen."
When asked about the potential for a reboot, Hamlin remains firm in his refusal. "I go forward, I don’t go backward," he maintains. Instead, the veteran actor continues to challenge himself with new projects. He is currently focused on the AMC series Mayfair Witches, where he is set to appear in its upcoming fourth season. Additionally, he is preparing for a return to the Broadway stage, a move that signals his continued evolution as an artist who refuses to be boxed in by his past successes.
Looking back, L.A. Law stands as a testament to the power of ensemble storytelling and the importance of an actor’s willingness to challenge the status quo. For Harry Hamlin, the experience was a masterclass in navigating the volatile waters of the entertainment industry—an experience that continues to inform his career today. As he steps into his next chapter on stage and screen, the legacy of Michael Kuzak remains a defining, albeit distant, milestone in a career defined by bold choices and an unwavering commitment to the craft.
Asep Darmawan
Reynand Wu
Layla Zulfa
