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Stage and Screen star Jerry Orbach Passes Away at 69

By: Dec. 29, 2004
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Stage and Screen star Jerry Orbach lost his battle with prostate cancer and has passed away at age 69. It was announced earlier this year that Orbach had been suffering from the cancer, and was receiving treatment since the Spring, but had not had surgery.

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Born in the Bronx in 1935, as the only child of a greeting card manufacturer and a restaurant manager, both parents were supportive of Jerry's dreams of becoming an actor. Orbach grew up and studied drama both at the University of Illinois and Northwestern. During that time, he worked in summer stock in Illinois where he gained experience in everything from performing to set building.

In 1955, at age 20 Jerry made his New York debut in Threepenny Opera as an understudy, and later took over the lead role of MacHeath. His Broadway debut came in the production of David Merrick's Carnival. Orbach's other Broadway credits included such hits as Guys and Dolls, Annie Get Your Gun, and the creation of roles in both Chicago and 42nd Street. Orbach was nominated for three Tony awards and won for his role in Promises, Promises in 1969.

IN 1960, he also created the role of El Gallo in the long running off-Broadway hit, The Fantasticks a role which will forever associate him with the memorable tune "Try to Remember" which he performed again at this year's Showstoppers benefit concert October 25th at Lincoln Center.

In addition to his stage career, Orbach has also appeared in over 30 films including Dirty Dancing, The Flamingo Kid, Crimes and Misdemeanors, Disney's Beauty and the Beast (voice) and Mr. Saturday Night.

On TV, he is widely known for his role as Detective Lennie Briscoe on TV's Law & Order, a role he originated in 1990. Other TV appearances include a memorable turn as a recurring character on Angela Lanbury's "Murder, She Wrote" which was spun off into his own series "The Law and Harry McGraw" which ran for four months in 1987.

Through the years, Orbach received several accolades for his tv and film work, including a Crystal Apple Award from the New York City Mayor's Office of Film, Television and Broadcasting for his contributions to the arts, a lifetime achievement award from the Friar's Club of New York, and three Emmy nominations for Law and Order, Golden Girls, and Neil Simon's Broadway Bound.

Orbach had recently turned 69. He is survived by wife, Elaine Cancilla and 2 sons.


Jerry Orbach, center at this year's Show Stoppers
Concert held on October 25th at Lincoln Center's
Avery Fisher Hall




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