You can’t keep a good anchor down!

In Sue Simmons‘ case, the legendary TV newsperson is trying her hand at acting. She’s joining the cast of NBC’s Law & Order: SVU for the two-part season premiere, according to the New York Post.

Simmons shot the episode in late July, and plays, who else, Sue Simmons! As the fictional Simmons, she’s seen covering breaking news, live on the scene of a scandal encompassing the NYPD, the DA’s office, and two escort agencies.

The season opener continues the story arc from last season’s finale, in which Captain Cragen finds a dead hooker in his bed.

Executive producer Warren Leight tells the Post that when the decision was being made to hire an actor or real newscaster, “six of us thought of Sue at the same time.”

Leight adds, “She said yes immediately. She was thrilled and had a great time.”

He says she didn’t need much coaching, and actually helped with some script adjustments.

“Simmons objected to using the word ‘burgeoning’ to identify the scandal in the episode,” Leight tells the New York Post.

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A rare sighting

If it seems like WNBC’s 11 p.m. anchor team of Chuck Scarborough and new partner Shiba Russell are barely together on the air, you’re not dreaming!

FishbowlNY examined how often the anchors sat side-by-side since Russell’s official debut at 11 p.m. one month ago last night. The number is incredibly low–try four. Just four times for Chuck and Shiba.

There were those first three days, including the infamous “Sue Simmons” identifying graphic for Russell at the start of the second newscast. Night-three was only a slight improvement, with no anchor names shown on the screen, although everyone else’s was displayed correctly.

The duo had one more night together, but not until July 11.

But if you are looking for some insidious, gossipy reason for the pair being conspicuous by its absence on a nightly basis, think again. A WNBC spokeswoman says this is simply the talent, especially Scarborough from his 38 years with the company, taking summer vacation.

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In light of Sue Simmons saying she wants to work again in her farewell broadcast at Channel 4, the question becomes, where might we see her next?

Simmons ended her incredible run at WNBC on June 15 announcing that she would like to be “employed elsewhere at some point.” The longtime anchor added that she’d be interested even if it’s once a week.

The viewing public, by and large, has opposed WNBC’s decision to terminate the veteran anchor. Just look at any of the comments from our FishbowlNY stories, and you’ll see overwhelming support for Sue.

While FishbowlNY is not acting as her agent in the process, let’s evaluate the possible suitors for Simmons.

WCBS/Channel 2, it would appear, has the no vacancy sign flashing at the Inn weeknights. However, if Simmons would double her once a week request, a weekend slot with veteran newsman Don Dahler could prove beneficial for all parties.

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Another glaring omission graced TV sets last night tuned to WNBC/Channel 4. It was the third night of Shiba Russell as permanent co-anchor with Chuck Scarborough at 11 p.m. As you undoubtedly know, Russell replaced Sue Simmons, who did her final broadcast Friday after 32 years.

The introductory chyron showing the anchors’ names was not included. It’s likely, though, to have been a calculated maneuver, as every other reporter and anchor featured in the newscast was clearly identified, including sportscaster Bruce Beck and meteorologist Janice Huff.

Just the night before as we reported, the opening graphic had the “Ghost of Anchors Past,” with Simmons’ name greeting viewers with Scarborough, instead of Russell.

Separately, the 20-second headlines atop the 11 p.m. newscast were only voiced by Scarborough. It was a night where team coverage of the oppressive heat was tops. The omission of Russell suggests to viewers, when big news breaks Scarborough and his 38 WNBC years are there.

It’s hard to keep a good anchor down. Sue Simmons left WNBC Friday after 32 years in the anchor seat next to Chuck Scarborough. As we reported Monday, Shiba Russell, with Channel 4 since February 2011, assumes the 11 p.m.  co-anchoring duties.

But not so fast. As sister site TVSpy notes, the graphic at the start of last night’s broadcast had Simmons instead of Russell.

While it’s probably just a technical glitch, Monday night was a touch more surreal. Observant watchers, especially TVSpy, noticed Scarborough wearing virtually the ensemble for Simmons’ farewell as he did for Russell’s first official night at 11 p.m. One way to forge a seemingless transition, the Dean of Local News Anchors wore what appears to have been the same tie and pocket square.

In what’s regarded as the worst kept secret, WNBC/Channel 4 has assigned the 11 p.m. newscast to Shiba Russell. She succeeds Sue Simmons, who departed the station last week after 32 years.

Russell, hired by Channel 4 in early 2011, has been on the fast track to Simmons’ slot ever since. From the beginning, Russell was the main fill-in for Simmons along side Chuck Scarborough.

Scarborough, who recently received a three-year extension at WNBC, remains the sole anchor at 6 p.m.

This represents an expansion of Russell’s responsibilities, already the co-anchor at noon and 5 p.m. with Tom Llamas.

Update: “I am thrilled and honored to work with the talented 11 p.m. news team including the legendary Chuck Scarborough,” Russell tells FishbowlNY.  “I look forward to having the opportunity to continue to deliver the important news of the day to the viewers in the NY tri-state area; my home market.”

Our sister site TVSpy has more on the Russell story.

And so at 11:35 last night, New York’s all-time great anchor team ceased to exist. “Chuck and Sue” became a test pattern of TV history.

Sue Simmons concluded a 32-year run at WNBC, sitting next to her “TV husband” Chuck Scarborough for a final time.

It was a moment inevitable for three months, since the New York Post broke the story that Simmons would not be offered a new contract.

In analyzing the Simmons farewell, praise is given to the station for devoting the closing 15 minutes to everything Sue.

Sprinkled in before commercial breaks, earlier in the newscast, were taped tributes from late night host Jimmy Fallon, who pointed out that his show originates from WNBC’s former home– studio 6B. In front his studio audience, Fallon showed a miniature version of a vintage Chuck and Sue photo displayed on the wall outside the studio.

Jay Leno also had brief, kind words for his NBC Universal colleague 3,000 miles away.

Back live at 30 Rock, the most touching moment of the night went to sports anchor Bruce Beck, who switched his schedule to work the special occasion, saying, “Thirty-two years, 32 roses. I love you dear,” as he handed her the bouquet and they shared a kiss.

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It’s a run for the ages. Sue Simmons closes the book on her storied 32 years as WNBC anchor. She’ll sit alongside her legendary partner Chuck Scarborough one final time tonight for the 11 o’clock newscast.

Throughout the day, WNBC is proud to point out that it’s featuring clips from Simmons’ illustrious past.

However there is, arguably, a bigger story.

While the station is planning one day of on-air tributes, beyond that there is not much more than a “no comment.” Actually, let’s call it what it is–a gag order.

Management is showing perfunctory fan fare, but when no current colleagues, especially one half of the famed anchor team, are permitted to speak about such a presence in New York, we’re left to scratch our heads.

In a terse statement, a WNBC spokesperson said, “Chuck is not available for interview.”

Even more shocking is that GM Michael Jack would not offer a comment as the face of WNBC.

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The countdown is on until Sue Simmons leaves one of the most popular anchor teams ever to grace New York televisions.

Simmons’ 32-year career at WNBC/Channel 4 concludes Friday, June 15 during the 11 p.m. newscast opposite her longtime on-air partner, Chuck Scarborough, FishbowlNY has learned.

As we reported in March, Simmons, 69, was not offered a new contract. The station has not named a successor.

Simmons, on vacation this week, returns next week for her WNBC swan song and expected sendoff.

Despite some on-air missteps, glorified by YouTube, Simmons is a New York institution, winning four Emmy Awards since joining Channel 4 in 1980. Although best known for her work alongside Scarborough, Simmons also is remembered for her long stint anchoring Live at Five, which featured a mix of news and interviews.

Sue Simmons is leaving WNBC/Channel 4 next month. Therefore, time is running for her to make on-air bloopers. But fear not, Simmons found time for a new faux pas last night.

Immediately following Smash, as the 11 p.m. newscast opened, Simmons, apparently, unaware of the working mics, was caught saying,” Well, it took a bad hop. It hit me in my breast.”

This was heard as the Channel 4 logo flashed across the screen. Making it even worse for the broadcast giant, the scene quickly shifted to video from Sunday’s deadly car accident at the Bronx Zoo.

Co-anchor Chuck Scarborough, in effect, scolded his longtime partner, simply saying, “Are we on?”

Simmons quieted down, as Scarborough transitioned into the serious news of the night.