AWARD WINNING ACTOR AND RAPPER CHRIS "LUDACRIS" BRIDGES MAKES TV DEBUT ON NBC'S 'LAW & ORDER: SVU,' TUESDAY, MARCH 28, (10 P.M. ET/PT)

Guest Starring Role Marks First Dramatic Appearance Since Critically Acclaimed Roles in Oscar-winning "Crash" and "Hustle and Flow"

NEW YORK -- March 23, 2006 -- Actor/rapper Chris "Ludacris" Bridges will make his television debut as a guest-star on NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," episode "Venom" (Tuesday, March 28th at 10 PM ET/PT). 'Ludacris,' who picked up a SAG and Critics Choice Award for Best Ensemble cast for his role in the Oscar-winning "Crash," turns in a powerful performance as Darius, a family member of Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola (Ice-T).

In taking a role on SVU, Bridges said, "I have been a fan of Dick Wolf's 'Law & Order' for a long time. When I was approached to work on SVU and read the script there was no way that I could turn down this amazing opportunity. The character was so rich and the storyline so complex that I knew it was something I had to do. I am looking forward to working with the incredibly talented cast and crew at Law & Order: SVU in my continuing quest to learn and grow as an actor."

"We are thrilled to have Ludacris join us as Ice-T's nephew for a groundbreaking episode of SVU. His talent and charisma will guarantee a memorable show," said Executive Producer Neal Baer.

The complex storyline puts Det. Fin in a difficult position, which pits him against his colleagues who suspect his son Ken (Ernest Wadell) in a double homicide. Fin also finds himself in a showdown with his ex wife Terry Randall (Lisa Gay Hamilton), Ken's mother. The story takes an emotional and unexpected turn when Fin discovers a family secret that sheds some new light into his family's relationship with Darius.

In the role of Darius, Bridges continues to tackle projects that are challenging and complex. Viewers and critics alike have embraced his film performances. He is the only rap music star to have such a successful and immediate crossover from music into film. He won a Critics Choice Award - "Best Ensemble ("Crash"); a SAG Award - Best Ensemble ("Crash") and he was a nominee for his first NAACP Image acting award for Best Supporting Actor ("Crash"). "Crash" and "Hustle & Flow" are only Bridges' second and third films. His first was "2 Fast 2 Furious," the blockbuster sequel to "The Fast & The Furious." "Crash" took top honors as Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

"Venom" was written by veteran writer/producer Judith McCreary who has worked on the show in its early years. In addition, McCreary has worked on various network series including: Dick Wolf's "New York Undercover," "413 Hope Street," "Lyon's Den" and "Threat Matrix," before landing on "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and the psychological drama entitled "Criminal Minds." This episode of "Law & Order: SVU marks of a homecoming for Ms. McCreary.

Mariska Hargitay, Chris Meloni, Dann Florek, Richard Belzer, B.D. Wong, Diane Neal and Tamara Tunie also star in "Law & Order: SVU."

"Law & Order: SVU" is produced by Wolf Films in association with NBC Universal Television Studio.