Law & Order Star Odelya Halevi's TV Acting Debut Was On A Fan-Favorite Sitcom

Law & Order fans recognize Odelya Halevi primarily as ADA Samantha Maroun, but her acting journey began long before her 2022 role in the popular procedural. In 2014, Halevi made her television debut on New Girl, a sitcom that followed the humorous adventures of Jess Day and her male roommates in Los Angeles. Her first role on the show occurred in the third episode of the fourth season, titled "Julie Berkman's Older Sister."

The episode, filled with the show's signature comedic moments, saw Jess attempting to meddle in her father's relationship with his young fiancée, who was once her classmate. In the subplot, Schmidt (Max Greenfield) was focused on securing a sponge ad campaign. Despite not having a substantial role in this particular episode, Halevi's performance as "Hot Woman" resonated with the show's comedic essence.

New Girl was a perfect fit for Halevi's artistic inclinations, as it aligned well with her comedic sensibilities. Law & Order, on the other hand, is a legal drama which doesn't offer much scope for Halevi to showcase her comedic talents. However, she hasn't been particularly involved in comedy outside of New Girl and brief appearances on Mike & Molly and Why Women Kill.

Despite her limited experience in comedy, Halevi expressed a keen interest in exploring more comedic roles in the future. She shared with The Bare Magazine in a 2025 interview that her initial TV experiences as guest spots on Mike & Molly and New Girl were incredibly fulfilling. Halevi particularly enjoyed the joy and energy of working on a comedy set, emphasizing how hearing laughter during a take is incredibly satisfying.

Her desire to portray a humorous character that is still grounded in real emotions stems from her portrayal of Sam Maroun, a serious character on Law & Order. Halevi explained her wish to play a role that is funny yet deeply emotional.