Raul Esparza | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

Raul Esparza is saying goodbye to Law & Order: SVU.

The 47-year-old actor has played New York Assistant DA Rafael Barba since 2012 and his final episode aired Wednesday night (February 7).

In tonight’s episode, Raul’s character found himself charged with a crime when he became too involved in a family’s right-to-die case. Although he was acquitted of the charges against him, Barba decided to leave his position as lead prosecutor.

“I’ve got to move on,” Barba told Mariska Hargitay‘s Lt. Olivia Benson before a tearful embrace.

However, this might not be the last time we see Rafael Barba.

“It has truly been an honor writing for Raul. The power, sensitivity and morality he brought to the character of Rafael Barba never failed to elevate our scripts,” showrunner Michael Chernuchin said in a statement. “Raul is family and we look forward to seeing his talent shine in new projects. As for Barba, SVU fans may see him again soon.”

Also during tonight’s episode, Chicago Justice alum Philip Winchester will be reprising his role as ADA Peter Stone on SVU and has been promoted to series regular on the show.

Tina Fey poses on the red carpet at the 2017 New York Stage & Film Winter Gala on Tuesday (December 5) at Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers in New York City.

The Emmy-winning actress was honored at the event alongside Audible founder Don Katz.

Tina was supported at the event by the cast of the upcoming Mean Girls musical, which is heading to Broadway next year – Taylor Louderman (Regina George), Kate Rockwell (Karen Smith), Ashley Park (Gretchen Wieners), Erika Henningsen (Cady Heron), and Kerry Butler (Ms. Norbury).

Some of the other celebs at the event included Tina‘s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt stars Ellie Kemper and Carol Kane.

More stars in attendance were John Slattery and wife Talia Balsam, Peter Gallagher and daughter Kathryn Gallagher, Dana Delaney, Andrea Martin, Jennifer Westfeldt, and Broadway stars Corey Cott, Laura Osnes (with husband Nathan Johnson), Saycon Sengbloh, and Raul Esparza.

FYI: Tina is wearing Pierre Hardy pumps.

35+ pictures inside of Tina Fey and others at the gala… More Here! »

Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon hit the carpet at the premiere of their film Custody during the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival at the BMCC John Zuccotti Theater on Sunday (April 17) in New York City.

Also pictured at the event were their co-stars Ellen Burstyn, Dan Fogler, Nicholas L. Ashe, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Karen Pittman, Tony Shalhoub, Raul Esparza, Olga Merediz, and young stars Jaden Michael and Bryce Lorenzo.

“In NY for the premiere of our film @CustodyTheMovie tonight at 8pm @Tribeca! #JuVeeProductions,” Viola tweeted.

FYI: Viola is wearing a Halston dress. Catalina is wearing a Halston dress, Brian Atwood shoes, a Nancy Gonzalez clutch, and Jacob & Co. jewels.

15+ pictures inside of Viola Davis and the cast of Custody…More Here! »

Mariska Hargitay films a scene for Law & Order: SVU on Thursday (February 25) in New York City.

The 52-year-old actress was joined on set that day by her co-star Raul Esparza.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Mariska Hargitay

Mariska took to her Twitter account earlier in the week to offer her support to Kesha amid her legal battle with her alleged abuser Dr. Luke.

“For many survivors, speaking out is the hardest part. It’s also only the first step. Sending u strength @KeshaRose as u move through this,” Mariska tweeted.

Mariska Hargitay dons an all black ensemble as she hits the red carpet at the Paleyfest New York Presents Law & Order: SVU held at the Paley Center For Media on Monday (October 13) in New York City.

The 50-year-old actress was joined at the event by her co-stars Danny Pino, Raul Esparza, Peter Scanavino, Ice-T and his wife Coco, as well as writer/producers Warren Light and Julie Martin, and show creator Dick Wolf.

During the panel, Mariska got emotional talking about her role and how much it has changed her life.

“These issues were now being spoken about at the watercooler at work because they were on TV the night before. That was so deeply exciting to me,” Mariska expressed. “Here we had this platform to talk about issues that were normally swept under the rug. The world is changing now – so much because of this show – and I’m grateful for that.”

FYI: Mariska is wearing Vince pants and top, a Helmut Lang blazer, and Jean-Michel shoes.

35+ pictures inside of Mariska Hargitay and her co-stars at Paleyfest…More Here! »

Mariska Hargitay looks beautiful while walking the green grass carpet at the Joyful Mele 10th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday (August 31) in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The 50-year-old actress was joined by her husband Peter Hermann and her Law & Order: SVU co-star Raul Esparza for the event hosted by her charity, the Joyful Heart Foundation.

The event raised more than half of a million dollars, all of which will be reinvested to support Joyful Heart’s work in Hawaii.

The foundation’s mission is to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and to shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues.

10+ pictures inside of Mariska Hargitay at the event for her charity… More Here! »