Jerry Orbach, a favorite around here and long-time star of Law & Order, has passed away at 69. His death was reported to be due to prostate cancer, with which he was diagnosed a few weeks ago.
Most will remember him for his years as the crusty detective Lennie Briscoe on the Law & Order series, which is in continuous reruns on TNT. Ironically, the cable channel is broadcasting a couple of L&O marathons this week, so you can get your fill as a tribute.
Orbach’s resumé is more than just the Briscoe character. His experiences go back to years of work on and off-Broadway, a variety of television rolls, and a number of memorable movie roles, including Dirty Dancing and the voice of the talking candle Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
The Lennie Briscoe character was scheduled to continue in a role on the Law & Order: Trial By Jury spinoff of the franchise, due to premier in January. Based on the story, it looks like we’ll see Lennie in those completed episodes.
Orbach’s passing will sadden many because you always had the feeling, when you watched him play his most famous character, that you knew this guy. Lennie was unpretentious, clever and witty, without banging you over the head with any glamour and kitsch. He just seemed like the kind of guy you knew from work or the neighborhood, the guy you could sit with and talk, watch a football game or have a cold one at a barbeque. Lennie had some demons to deal with, too; a past drinking problem, too many marriages, and the loss of a daughter to a drug dealer. Yet, he plugged away as one of the good guys and never became a victim to what he used to be. Characters like Lennie, and actors like Orbach, don’t come along that often. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Jerry.
Now, here’s a little Jerry Orbach trivia: do you know when Orbach first appeared on Law & Order and under what conditions? Comment here if you know and try not to look it up anywhere. Real Orbach fans will know this, anyway.
Update: optimuscrime.com references other links honoring Orbach, including this all-in-one tribute on The Gothamist.
orbach played a defence lawyer on an episode before coming on as det. lennie briscoe.
chung-chung.
Cha-ching.
Episode 24, Frank Lehman, defense lawyer for Melanie Cullern (Shirley Knight), who popped her husband and his new wife.
Lenny finally appeared the following season, in Episode 52.
I mis Jerry Orbach still in Law and order.
Rest in peace Jerry.
Annelies