Benjamin Bratt has signed on to be a series regular in the ABC medical drama ‘Private Practice,’ www.tvline.com is reporting. His first appearance will be on this season’s finale, and he will become a full-time cast member in the fall.

There aren’t any official details on Bratt’s character yet. But his entrance is expected to coincide with the departure of original series regular Audra McDonald, who plays Dr. Naomi Bennett. The actress is leaving ‘Private Practice,’ which films in Santa Monica, as she wants to spend more time with her family on the East Coast.

Bratt is most well-known for his portrayal of Detective Rey Curtis on ‘Law & Order’ between 1995 and 1999. He then returned to NBC in 2005 to star in the military drama ‘E-Ring,’ which only lasted one season. His last starring role on a series was on A&E’s drama ‘The Cleaner,’ which ended in 2009 after two seasons.

Written by: Karen Benardello