Why Susan Ruttan Left L.A. Law: Roxanne Melman's Exit & Beyond

05 May, 2025

What compels an actress to step away from a role that catapulted her to stardom, a role that earned her accolades and the adoration of millions? Susan Ruttan's departure from the iconic series "L.A. Law" remains a subject of fascination, prompting a deep dive into the personal and professional factors that shaped this pivotal moment in television history.

Susan Ruttan, known for her portrayal of the vibrant Roxanne Melman in "L.A. Law," once shared her insights on the character, the captivating storylines she navigated, and her work on the drama "Deadly Matrimony." She expressed satisfaction with the new creative directions and the stimulating challenges the show offered. However, her exit from "L.A. Law" ignited a wave of speculation and curiosity among the devoted fanbase of the legal drama. As one of the most memorable characters on the show, her departure was met with both surprise and a sense of loss. The character of Roxanne, alongside others like Ann Kelsey, a fiercely independent lawyer, captivated audiences. But the question persists: Why did Susan Ruttan leave "L.A. Law?"

Category	Details
Full Name	Susan Diane Dunrud
Date of Birth	September 16, 1948
Place of Birth	California, USA
Occupation	Actress
Known For	Roxanne Melman in "L.A. Law"
Years Active	1970s - Present
Key Roles	Roxanne Melman ("L.A. Law"), "Deadly Matrimony"
Notable Achievements	Four Emmy Nominations for "L.A. Law"
Other Notable Works	Guest Appearances
Additional Information	Reprised her role in the 2022 "L.A. Law" TV Reunion
Reference	IMDB

Susan Ruttan, born Susan Diane Dunrud on September 16, 1948, is an American actress whose name became synonymous with the character Roxanne Melman in "L.A. Law." It was this role, spanning from 1986 to 1993, that catapulted her into Hollywood recognition, earning her four Emmy nominations. Notably, she reprised her beloved character in the 2022 television reunion, "L.A. Law." However, Ruttan's career extended far beyond the legal drama, showcasing her versatility in various acting roles. Delving deeper into her career, and the circumstances surrounding her departure from the show, allows us to uncover the layers that formed a pivotal moment in television history.

The departure of Susan Ruttan from "L.A. Law" is a complex question. It necessitates an understanding of the show's dynamics, her career trajectory, and the personal choices she faced during a pivotal period in her life. The entertainment industry in the 1990s experienced considerable changes, influencing the creative landscape and career decisions of many actors. Exploring the "why" of Ruttan's exit requires a broader context of these industry-wide shifts and the individual factors that shaped her path.

The impact of "L.A. Law" on Ruttan's life was immediate. She recounted how, the day after the series premiered on October 3, 1986, she went out for lunch and noticed people looking at her. Her character, Roxanne Melman, resonated with viewers, and Ruttan became a familiar face in households across the country.

In an interview in 1987, Susan Ruttan offered her thoughts on her role in "L.A. Law," and the impact it was having on women. She noted the positive feedback she received from secretaries worldwide, and felt that the series, with its strong female characters, was contributing to a broader conversation around female empowerment. In that same interview, she discussed new projects she was undertaking, which indicated a desire to explore opportunities beyond the confines of the series.

The creation of "L.A. Law" was a collaborative effort spearheaded by Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher. The show's ensemble cast included Corbin Bernsen, Jill Eikenberry, Alan Rachins, and Michael Tucker, whose lives and work in a major Los Angeles law firm became the focus of the series. The show's commitment to complex characters and compelling storylines made it a critical and commercial success, and earned it many devoted followers.

Susan Ruttan's involvement in "L.A. Law" between 1986 and 1993 provided her with a platform to reach Hollywood recognition and accolades, including four Emmy nominations for her supporting role. Her reprisal of Roxanne Melman in the 2022 reunion allowed fans to reconnect with the character and provided a sense of closure to many.

The exteriors for the law firm in "L.A. Law" were filmed at the Fourfortyfour South Flower Building in downtown Los Angeles, which at the time was known as the 444 Flower Building. The show's setting, the bustling city of Los Angeles, provided a vibrant backdrop to the stories of the lawyers and their clients, and enhanced the shows overall appeal.

Understanding the circumstances surrounding Susan Ruttan's departure requires looking into her career and personal choices during a time of change in television. While the full reasons are not always explicitly stated, many factors often come into play when an actor exits a popular show. Examining her career path, the show's dynamics, and her personal decisions provides crucial insight into the events leading up to her exit. By exploring her decision, we can uncover the professional and personal elements that influenced her departure.

Susan Ruttan, who earned four of those nominations in her supporting role, believes the enduring success of "L.A. Law" can be simply attributed to the quality that was put into the show. The series featured a large ensemble cast that included Richard Dysart, Alan Rachins, Corbin Bernsen, Jill Eikenberry, Michael Tucker, Susan Ruttan, Harry Hamlin, Jimmy Smits, and Blair Underwood.

Susan Ruttan, who had previously worked in a variety of roles before "L.A. Law," brought a wealth of experience to the series. She had played a wide range of roles before her most famous role. This history of versatility, along with the demands of a successful television series, were likely factors as Ruttan considered her future and what roles she would choose to pursue. Ruttan reprising her role in 2022 demonstrated the lasting impact of "L.A. Law" and the fans appreciation for the show.

Cast of 'L.A. Law' Then and Now Catch up with the Stars of the

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