PETER BOGDANOVICH, DAVID CROSS, TATE DONOVAN, AMY RYAN, AND KRISTY SWANSON GUEST STAR IN TWO "RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES" EPISODES ON NBC'S 'LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT'

PETER BOGDANOVICH, DAVID CROSS, TATE DONOVAN, AMY RYAN, AND KRISTY SWANSON GUEST STAR IN TWO "RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES" EPISODES ON NBC'S 'LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT'

NEW YORK � March 16, 2007 � "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" boasts special guest appearances by Peter Bogdanovich, David Cross, Tate Donovan, Amy Ryan, and Kristy Swanson in two "ripped from the headlines" episodes of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" set to air in May. In "Rocket Man," (Tuesday, May 1, 9:00 PM ET/PT), Tate Donovan stars as Commander Luke Nelson, a married astronaut whose affair with a colleague turns sour when she winds up murdered in their hotel. Amy Ryan stars as Edie Nelson, the wife of Commander Nelson.

Donovan's diverse background includes the critically acclaimed and Oscar nominated film "Good Night and Good Luck" and Disney's "Hercules." His television credits include "Ally McBeal," "Friends," "The Guardian," and most recently, "The OC."

"After all that I've done as a New York actor, I'm thrilled to be guest-starring on a Law & Order show," said Donovan.

Ryan has been nominated for two Tony Awards for Best Actress in "Uncle Vanya" and "A Streetcar Named Desire." She has made guest appearances on all three Law & Order series. Upcoming film credits include "Gone, Baby, Gone" opposite Ed Harris and "Dan In Real Life" with Steve Carell.

In "Bombshell," (Tuesday, May 8, 9:00 PM ET/PT), Swanson stars as Lorelei Mailer, a former stripper-turned-model and widow of a 90-year-old billionaire whose son mysteriously winds up dead and she meets the same fate days later.

Best known for her role in the movie "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Swanson has also appeared in films such as "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Big Daddy" "Dude, Where's My Car" and most recently won the top spot on television's "Skating With Celebrities."

"I've been a huge fan of the 'Law & Order' shows for many years and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to work with such a wonderful cast on 'Criminal Intent,'" said Swanson.

Cross stars as Ronnie Chase, Lorelei's manager, committed partner and alleged father to her newborn baby. Peter Bogdanovich reprises his role as George Merritt, publisher of Privilege Magazine and credited as the one who discovered Lorelei.

Writer, producer, director and actor, Cross most recently played the role of Tobias on the Emmy-nominated series "Arrested Development." He has appeared in such films as "Men in Black" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." His upcoming movie releases include "The Grand," and Todd Haynes' "I'm Not There." He also created the animated Comedy Central series, "Freak Show."

Experienced director, writer, and actor, Bogdanovich returns for his second guest appearance on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" as playboy George Merritt. His television roles include Dr. Elliott Kupferberg on the "Soprano's" and the psychologist on the "Simpsons." The venerable Bogdanovich has created several documentaries and is currently launching a new Internet channel.

Vincent D'Onofrio, Kathryn Erbe, Chris Noth, Julianne Nicholson and Eric Bogosian also star in "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" is a Wolf Films production in association with NBC Universal Television Studio's. Dick Wolf, Warren Leight and Peter Jankowski are executive producers.