In 1998, Michele joined the cast of NBC police drama ' as Det. Rene Sheppard on the show's final season. She received her first NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series nomination for this role. Michelle reprised her role in a "Law & Order" episode in 1999 and in the television movie ' in 2000. She later joined another NBC series, medical drama "ER" playing Dr. Cleo Finch from 1999 to 2002, for three seasons. She received another NAACP Image Award nomination.