Tyson does credible job in 'Law & Order: SVU' role

In an ingenious — but at the same time sort of creepy — bit of stunt-casting, Mike Tyson went a few rounds with his first real dramatic role on NBC's "Law & Order: SVU" and, suffice it to say, ended up with split decision.

It was a nice departure for Tyson. who was used to parodying himself in the "Hangover" movies or reliving the dark side of his life in an autobiographical stage show that had a short run on Broadway.

On L&O: SVU, Tyson, playing a death-row inmate convicted of rape and murder himself, capably handled the role as the soft-spoken con who was framed. Tyson looked the same except for the real-life tribal tattoos on the left side of his face that were neatly hidden by makeup, soft lighting and right camera angles.

Tyson even live-tweeted during the show.




This particular role hit a nerve with rape victim groups after some complained that playing the part of a rapist was too close to the former heavyweight champion's own conviction for rape in 1992.  Tyson spent three years in prison for the crime.

The convoluted plot of Wednesday night's L&O featured actor Ed Asner — who got to chew the heaviest scenes as a child molester —but Tyson held his own with the L&O cast including scenes with always amazing Andre Braugher.

The only Emmy award I see going to this episode is for the superb makeup and lighting cover-up, but I'm sure NBC pulled in plenty of viewers curious about seeing Tyson — the actor.