For fans of Law & Order, Odelya Halevi has brought a refreshing energy to the courtroom as ADA Samantha Maroun. A standout on the long-running procedural, Halevi’s journey to the show has been filled with determination, resilience, and a love for storytelling. In this exclusive interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, she opens up about her career, the evolution of her character, and what fans can expect from upcoming episodes.
From Israel to Hollywood: A Journey of Persistence
Born and raised in Israel, Halevi moved to the U.S. at 20 with an initial goal of making money, not necessarily pursuing acting. However, the pull of the entertainment industry was strong.
“I went to acting school in Israel, and when I moved here, I could sense opportunities,” she said. “I had to deal with a lot of language and cultural barriers. People would make fun of me all day long, and I used to take it as an insult. But then I learned to just laugh with them. That changed everything—it helped me build relationships and eventually helped casting directors see me in a new light.”
That attitude led to roles on hit shows like New Girl and Mike & Molly, but her big break came with Good Girls Revolt.
“That was the first time I felt like I had an arc, a real backstory, and people respected my choices,” she recalled. “It was a game-changer.”
Joining Law & Order: A Dream Come True
Now a key part of Law & Order, Halevi still can’t believe she’s part of a show she grew up watching as a kid in Israel.
“It’s a total dream,” she said. “I used to watch Sam Waterston with my mom, reading subtitles, and now I’m acting alongside him. At first, I thought, ‘They’re going to fire me. They’re going to realize I don’t belong here.’ But over time, I grew into the role, and I’ve evolved along with Maroun.”
The Growth of Samantha Maroun
Halevi has seen major development in her character over the last few seasons, particularly in her confidence.
“When she started, Maroun had a lot of passion and opinions, but she wasn’t always sure of herself. Now, she knows her worth. She’s not afraid to say, ‘I know what I’m doing, I have the credentials, and you’re going to have to trust me.’”
Her dynamic with Nolan Price (played by Hugh Dancy) has also been a focal point.
“There’s always tension, and that’s a good thing,” Halevi explained. “They push each other to be their best, to search for answers, and to challenge each other. That’s what makes them work so well together.”
Researching for the Role
Playing a prosecutor comes with a responsibility to make the legal proceedings feel real. Halevi, however, has always been fascinated by the law—even before joining Law & Order.
“I once had this cop who kept pulling me over, giving me four tickets in a month. I didn’t have money for a lawyer, so I put on a suit, went to court, and argued my case,” she laughed. “I got most of them dismissed! That’s when I realized how much I love this world. The justice system isn’t black and white, and I love learning more about it for this role.”
What She’d Like to See Next for Maroun
While she loves Maroun’s intensity in the courtroom, Halevi hopes to see more of her personal life.
“I want to see her on a date,” she said. “We work so hard, and I love that, but it would be great to explore her outside of work, to get out of the courtroom and see another side of her.”
Upcoming Episodes and What Fans Can Expect
Halevi is particularly excited about an upcoming episode that tackles sexual abuse.
“It’s a subject I feel personally connected to, and it’s an incredibly important episode,” she shared. “I can’t wait for the audience to see it and hear their thoughts.”
She’s also open to crossovers with other Law & Order series, particularly SVU.
“I worked with Mariska Hargitay on a crossover episode, and she’s incredible,” Halevi said. “She takes time with her scene partners, making sure it feels like a partnership. I’d love to work with her again.”
What’s Next for Odelya Halevi?
While Law & Order keeps her busy, Halevi is also embarking on a personal milestone—her wedding!
“I’m getting married in May, then heading to Africa for our honeymoon,” she said. “I love animals, but I’m also scared of getting attacked, which is why I need to do this—it’s about pushing boundaries.”
Beyond her wedding, she’s also working behind the scenes on developing a mini-series based on her own life story.
“I’m excited to step into the creative side and see where that takes me,” she said.
A Final Message to Fans
Halevi hopes Law & Order fans take something meaningful away from her character.
“Always stand up for yourself, especially in the workplace,” she said. “Have an opinion, don’t be afraid to speak up, and know that you are valuable.”
With her talent, drive, and passion for storytelling, Odelya Halevi is just getting started. Whether it’s in the courtroom, behind the camera, or pushing her personal boundaries, she’s proving to be a force to be reckoned with.
Law & Order airs Thursdays on NBC. Don’t miss the upcoming episodes!
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