Born: October 20, 1935 - Died: December 28, 2004
Jerry Orbach, best known for his role as Detective Lennie Briscoe in "Law & Order," was born on October 20, 1935, in the Bronx, New York. He came from a diverse background - his father, Leon Orbach, was a former vaudevillian actor and a German Jewish immigrant, while his mother, Emily Olexy, was a radio singer of Polish-Lithuanian Roman Catholic descent. Growing up, Jerry moved frequently, experiencing life in different places such as Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, and Waukegan, Illinois. His ability to adapt to new surroundings molded him into a versatile actor. With a musical theater background, he eventually transitioned to television and film, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
Jerry Orbach had a colorful upbringing, growing up in various locations due to his family's constant moving. He spent part of his childhood in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, and eventually settled in Waukegan, Illinois, where he attended high school. Jerry studied drama at both the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. After his studies, he pursued acting in New York and began to find steady work in musicals.
Although Jerry initially found success in musical theater, he faced challenges in breaking into television and film roles due to being overlooked because of his musical background. However, he persevered and eventually made a name for himself in the industry, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Jerry's breakthrough role came in 1991 when he was cast as Detective Lennie Briscoe in the long-running television series "Law & Order." This role became his most iconic and beloved, earning him critical acclaim and a large fan base. He portrayed the character for over a decade until his departure in 2004. His portrayal of Detective Briscoe established him as a respected actor in both the television and crime drama genres.
Throughout his career, Jerry Orbach received numerous accolades for his performances. He was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards and won two Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series Emmys for his appearances on "Law & Order." His contributions to the series and his memorable portrayal of Detective Briscoe solidified his status as an influential figure in Hollywood.
Aside from his acting career, Jerry Orbach was involved in various philanthropic endeavors. He was an advocate for organ donation and served as the spokesperson for the New York Organ Donor Network. His personal life included his marriage to Elaine Cancilla Orbach, whom he was married to from 1979 until his death in 2004. Jerry and Elaine had one son named Anthony Nicholas Orbach.
Jerry Orbach's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. His portrayal of Detective Lennie Briscoe made him a household name and a beloved figure for fans of "Law & Order." His talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft solidified his status as an icon within the industry. Jerry's contributions to the world of acting continue to be celebrated and appreciated even after his passing in 2004.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Law & Order: Trial by Jury (TV Series) | DA Investigator Lennie Briscoe |
| 2004 | Law & Order: Justice Is Served (Video Game) | Detective Lennie Briscoe (voice) |
| 1991–2004 | Law & Order (TV Series) | Detective Lennie Briscoe | Defense Attorney Frank Lehrman |
| 2003 | Protesters | Video | Police Investigator in street |
| 2003 | Law & Order II: Double or Nothing (Video Game) | Detective Lennie Briscoe (voice) |
| 2002 | Beauty and the Beast DVD Read-Along | Video | Jerry Orbach |
| 2002 | Law & Order: Dead on the Money (Video Game) | Detective Lennie Briscoe (voice) |
| 2002 | Manna from Heaven | Waltz Contest Announcer |
| 2001–2002 | House of Mouse (TV Series) | Lumiere (voice) |
| 2001 | Law & Order: Criminal Intent (TV Series) | Detective Lennie Briscoe |
| 2000 | Prince of Central Park | Businessman |
| 2000 | Chinese Coffee | Jake Manheim |
| 2000 | Disney's Beauty and the Beast: Magical Ballroom (Video Game) | Lumiere (voice) |
| 1999–2000 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (TV Series) | Detective Lennie Briscoe |
| 1999 | You Be the Judge (TV Series) | Host |
| 1999 | Belle's Tales of Friendship | Video | Lumiere (voice) |
| 1999 | Temps | Announcer |
| 1996–1999 | Homicide: Life on the Street (TV Series) | Lennie Briscoe |
| 1998 | Exiled (TV Movie) | Detective Lennie Briscoe |
| 1998 | Belle's Magical World | Video | Lumiere (voice) |
| 1997 | Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas | Video | Lumiere (voice) |
| 1996 | Aladdin and the King of Thieves | Video | Sa'luk (voice) |
| 1996 | Frasier (TV Series) | Mitch (voice) |
| 1996 | Late Night with Conan O'Brien (TV Series) | Detective Lennie Briscoe (uncredited) |
| 1993 | The Cemetery Club | Jake Rubin (uncredited) |
| 1992 | Mastergate (TV Movie) | Clifton Byers |
| 1992 | Empty Nest (TV Series) | Arthur |
| 1992 | Mr. Saturday Night | Phil Gussman |
| 1992 | Universal Soldier | Dr. Christopher Gregor |
| 1992 | Straight Talk | Milo Jacoby |
| 1992 | Quiet Killer (TV Movie) | Dr. Vincent Califano |
| 1992 | Broadway Bound (TV Movie) | Jack Jerome |
| 1991 | Dead Women in Lingerie | Mr. Bartoli |
| 1991 | Beauty and the Beast | Lumiere (voice) |
| 1991 | California Casanova | Constantin Rominoffski |
| 1991 | Delirious | Lou Sherwood |
| 1991 | Delusion | Larry |
| 1985–1991 | Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) | Harry McGraw |
| 1991 | Toy Soldiers | Albert Trotta (uncredited) |
| 1991 | Out for Justice | Ronny Donziger |
| 1991 | Perry Mason: The Case of the Ruthless Reporter (TV Movie) | Vic St. John |
| 1990 | Who's the Boss? (TV Series) | Nick |
| 1990 | In Defense of a Married Man (TV Movie) | Alan Michelson |
| 1990 | A Gnome Named Gnorm | Stan Walton |
| 1990 | Kojak: None So Blind (TV Movie) | Tony Salducci |
| 1990 | The Golden Girls (TV Series) | Glen O'Brien |
| 1990 | Hunter (TV Series) | Sal Scarlatti |
| 1989 | Crimes and Misdemeanors | Jack Rosenthal |
| 1989 | Last Exit to Brooklyn | Boyce |
| 1989 | The Flamingo Kid (TV Movie) | Phil Brody |
| 1989 | Perry Mason: The Case of the Musical Murder (TV Movie) | Blaine Counter |
| 1988 | Simon & Simon (TV Series) | Harrison | Malcolm Shanley III |
| 1987–1988 | The Law and Harry McGraw (TV Series) | Harry McGraw |
| 1987 | Someone to Watch Over Me | Lt. Garber |
| 1987 | Dirty Dancing | Jake Houseman |
| 1987 | I Love N.Y. | Leo |
| 1987 | The Hitchhiker (TV Series) | Cameron |
| 1987 | Love Among Thieves (TV Movie) | Spicer |
| 1987 | Tales from the Darkside (TV Series) | Roberts |
| 1987 | Out on a Limb (TV Mini Series) | Mort Viner |
| 1986 | The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers (TV Series) | Zachary Foxx (voice) |
| 1986 | Dream West (TV Mini Series) | Captain John Sutter |
| 1986 | F/X | Nicholas DeFranco |
| 1986 | The Imagemaker | Byron Caine |
| 1985 | Our Family Honor (TV Series) | Brian Merrick |
| 1985 | Brewster's Millions | Charley Pegler |
| 1984 | The Streets (TV Movie) | Sgt. Max Grozzo |
| 1983 | Ryan's Hope (TV Series) | Mr. Brahm |
| 1983 | The Special Magic of Herself the Elf (TV Movie) | King Thorn (voice) |
| 1983 | An Invasion of Privacy (TV Movie) | Sam Bianchi |
| 1982 | Plaza Suite (TV Movie) | Jesse Kiplinger | Roy Hubley | Sam Nash |
| 1981 | Prince of the City | Detective Gus Levy |
| 1981 | Underground Aces | Herbert Penlittle |
| 1980 | Alex and the Doberman Gang (TV Movie) | Rogers |
| 1980 | Trapper John, M.D. (TV Series) | Dr. Beeker |
| 1980 | Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (TV Series) | Lars Mangros |
| 1977 | The Sentinel | Film Director |
| 1975 | Kojak (TV Series) | Brubaker |
| 1975 | Foreplay | Jerry Lorsey |
| 1975 | Medical Center (TV Series) | Josh |
| 1973 | Diana (TV Series) | Donald Kirby |
| 1973 | Love, American Style (TV Series) | Homer 'Arsenal' Andrews (segment "Love and the Hoodwinked Honey") |
| 1972 | A Fan's Notes | Fred Exley |
| 1971 | The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight | Kid Sally |
| 1968 | One Life to Live (TV Series) | Irwin Keyser (1980-1981) |
| 1967 | Annie Get Your Gun (TV Movie) | Charles Davenport |
| 1965 | The Defenders (TV Series) | J.P. Loring |
| 1965 | John Goldfarb, Please Come Home! | Pinkerton |
| 1960–1964 | Camera Three (TV Series) | Larry Foreman |
| 1963 | The Doctors and the Nurses (TV Series) | Steve Ford |
| 1963 | Bye Bye Birdie | Bob - Ed Sullivan Show Producer (uncredited) |
| 1961 | Mad Dog Coll | Joe Clegg |
| 1961 | Twenty-Four Hours in a Woman's Life (TV Movie) | Cristof |
| 1958 | Cop Hater | Mumzer - Gang Leader |
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