Raised in Flat Rock, Michigan, bald character actor Dann Florek majored in math and physics at Eastern Michigan University until a drama scholarship changed the course of his career direction. Trained at Juilliard, he appeared frequently on stage ranging from the classics ("Love's Labour's Lost," "A Midsummer Night's Dream") to contemporary pieces ("Strange Snow, "Big River," "The Three Cuckolds") appearing in such theater venues as the Globe Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse.

In Los Angeles from the 80s on, he received his biggest break on dramatic TV series work playing pragmatic officials on such hit shows as "L.A. Law" and, most notably, "Law and Order." Although not a name, he is a durable player and definable face who has occasionally engaged in film supports with Eddie Macon's Run, Angel Heart, Moon Over Parador and Beautiful Joe among his credits.
An avid golfer, he collects antique golf clubs. An accomplished musician who collects music memorabilia. Wife Karen is an artist. Played Abraham Lincoln in the irreverent, controversial comedy series The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer, which was very short-lived. Brother of Dave Florek. Is the only actor to appear in the pilots of two different "Law & Order" series (Law & Order and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit). Is one of four cast members from "Law & Order" whose character became a regular on a "Law & Order" spin-off. He played Capt. Donald Cragen in both "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Along with Jerry Orbach, Chris Noth and Fred Dalton Thompson, he is one of four Law & Order cast members who later joined the regular cast of one of the spin-off series. He played Captain Donald Cragen in Law & Order from 1990 to 1993 and in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 1999.