Born in Rocky Mountain, Virginia and raised in Buffalo, New York, Jesse L. Martin joins "Law & Order" for its tenth season as the compulsive and passionate Detective Edward Jordan.

"The great challenge in playing a character like Eddie Jordan is that he is really complex. He’s passionate about his work and his life, but he is not without faults. I look forward to exploring this character and his relationship with his partner, Briscoe, in the story-driven world which is ‘Law and Order.’"

Martin received critical acclaim for his recurring role on "Ally McBeal" as Ally's boyfriend, Dr. Greg Butters. He also recently guest-starred as a disenfranchised alien on "The X-Files," in an episode written and directed by series star David Duchovny.

An NYU graduate and classically trained stage actor, Martin is thrilled to return to New York City where he was an original cast member of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Broadway musical "Rent." His extensive New York theatre credits run the gamut, from Shakespeare to musical comedy.

His additional television credits include a regular role in the Fox series "413 Hope Street" and a guest-starring dual role in the Wolf Films/Studios USA series "New York Undercover." He also recently completed the telefilm "Deep in My Heart," co-starring with Anne Bancroft and Gloria Reuben (NBC’s "ER"). He can also be seen in the ensemble cast of the independent feature "The Restaurant," performing alongside Adrien Brody, Elise Neal and singing sensation Lauryn Hill.

"If I wasn’t acting, I would want to be a teacher," says Martin, which may explain why his role as AIDS counselor Antonio Collin on "413 Hope Street" is among his favorites. As for dream roles, Martin says he would love to play music legend Marvin Gaye.

In his free time, Martin loves watching sports and is a huge basketball fan.