Sharon Lawrence will return to 'NYPD Blue'

When Sharon Lawrence finished her 10-episode contract with ”NYPD Blue” in January, newspapers reported that she probably wouldn’t return because of disappointment that her character — assistant district attorney Sylvia Costas, Andy Sipowicz’ headstrong wife — wasn’t given more to do. Lawrence was quoted as saying she would come back only if the series’ writers gave Sylvia ”something juicy to do…something that rocks her world.” Well, evidently the actress was as convincing as the courtroom-savvy character she plays. Lawrence tells EW Online that she’ll soon fly to Los Angeles to shoot at least two more ”Blue” episodes, which will air during May sweeps. A source close to the show confirms: ”(‘Blue’ cocreator) David Milch has something quite exciting in store for Sharon’s character that will put to bed any rumors that she quit the show.”

But will Lawrence stick around next season? Her reps won’t comment. A spokesperson for ”Blue,” however, says that while Lawrence isn’t a regular cast member, she’ll continue to appear whenever the story lines and her schedule allow. For those of you who can’t wait till May sweeps to see the three-time Emmy-nominated actress, Lawrence is now performing at the Joseph Papp Public Theater (until April 18) in the New York production of playwright Ellen McLaughlin’s ”Tongue of a Bird,” a drama about a search-and-rescue pilot who’s looking for a lost girl but ends up communicating with her dead mother (Lawrence). ”It’s a real estrogen-fest,” Lawrence says of the play. ”Women should definitely bring their girlfriends.” Guess Andy should stay home and take care of the kid.