In a television machine as long-running as “Law & Order,” it’s not unusual for an actor to play a minor character and later join the cast in a different role. What is unusual is a guest character returning seasons later in a full-time role — as captain. Just ask “Law & Order: SVU” star Aimé Donna Kelly, who was promoted to series regular ahead of Season 27.

“I did not think I was going to land it,” Kelly tells TODAY.com of her audition for the role of Capt. Renee Curry. “And when I did, I was so excited. I was so happy.”

Her character first appeared as an IAB captain who questioned Special Victims Unit Capt. Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) about her involvement in a case in Season 22.

“I was really proud of that first episode where you meet Curry,” Kelly says. “She’s kind of puttin

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