Jerry Orbach was an American actor and singer, known for his charming personality and exceptional skills on stage and screen. He was born on October 20, 1935, in the Bronx, New York City. With a career spanning over four decades, Orbach left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and became a beloved figure to millions of fans worldwide.

Orbach was best known for his role as Detective Lennie Briscoe on the television series Law & Order. He appeared in the show for 12 seasons and became a fan favorite for his witty one-liners and dry humor. However, his talents extended far beyond the small screen, with notable performances in films such as Dirty Dancing and Beauty and the Beast. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and legacy of Jerry Orbach, and celebrate his contributions to the world of entertainment.

Jerry Orbach was an American actor and singer, best known for his role as Detective Lennie Briscoe on the long-running television series, Law & Order. Born in 1935 in the Bronx, New York, Orbach began his career in musical theater, starring in productions such as The Fantasticks and Chicago. He transitioned to television and film in the 1980s, landing roles in movies like Dirty Dancing and TV shows like Murder, She Wrote. Orbach passed away in 2004, but his legacy lives on through his memorable performances and contributions to the entertainment industry.

Jerry Orbach: Latest Information

Physical Statistics

This is the physical statistics of Jerry Orbach, who was a famous American actor, singer, and songwriter. He was 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed around 185 lbs. Jerry Orbach was well known for his role as Detective Lennie Briscoe in the television series Law & Order. He had brown eyes and brown hair. His shoe size was 11 (UK).

Family

Jerry Orbach was born to Leonard Orbach and Emily Olexy in 1935. He had two siblings, Leonard Jr. and Marilyn. Unfortunately, information about his weight is not readily available.

Unknown Facts about Jerry Orbach

The Early Life of Jerry Orbach

Jerry Orbach was a renowned American actor and singer, known for his captivating performances on stage, television and cinema. He was born in the Bronx, New York City, in 1935. Did you know that Orbach’s mother was a radio singer and his father was a vaudeville performer? Orbach’s parents divorced when he was just a child, and he was raised by his mother. Despite the struggles of growing up in a single-parent household, Orbach went on to achieve great success in his career.

The Rise to Fame of Jerry Orbach

Jerry Orbach’s career spanned over five decades, during which he played a diverse range of unforgettable characters. He was particularly well-known for his role as Detective Lennie Briscoe in the long-running TV series “Law & Order”. However, did you know that Orbach’s career actually began on Broadway? He starred in many hit musicals, including “The Fantasticks” and “Chicago”. Orbach’s talent and versatility as an actor made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

The Legacy of Jerry Orbach

Jerry Orbach passed away in 2004, but his legacy lives on. He was a respected actor and a beloved member of the entertainment community. Did you know that Orbach was also a staunch advocate for organ donation? His daughter, Chris, even wrote a book about his life and his dedication to the cause. If you’re a fan of Orbach’s work, or if you’re interested in learning more about this incredible actor and his life, be sure to check out our upcoming article on the unknown facts about Jerry Orbach.

Jerry Orbach – A Celebrated Broadway Actor

Early Life and Career

Childhood and Education

Jerry Orbach, born on October 20, 1935, in The Bronx, New York, was the only child of Leon and Emily Orbach. His father was a former vaudevillian and his mother was a radio singer. Orbach attended Waukegan High School in Illinois before studying drama at the University of Illinois.

Early Career

After graduating from college, Orbach moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. He made his Broadway debut in “The Threepenny Opera” in 1955. Orbach’s career took off in the 1960s, with notable performances in “Carnival!” and “Promises, Promises.” He won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role in “Promises, Promises” in 1969.

Transition to Television

Orbach made his television debut in 1967 in the series “The Defenders.” He went on to appear in several popular television shows, including “Law & Order,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “The Golden Girls.” Orbach received critical acclaim for his role as Detective Lennie Briscoe in “Law & Order,” which he played for 12 seasons.

Personal Life and Legacy

Marriage and Family

Orbach was married to his wife, Marta Curro, from 1958 until his death in 2004. They had two sons together, Christopher and Anthony. Orbach was known for being a devoted family man, and his sons have followed in his footsteps, pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Orbach was a strong advocate for organ donation and was a spokesperson for the New York Organ Donor Network. He also supported several charitable organizations, including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Legacy and Honors

Orbach’s legacy continues to live on in the entertainment industry. He was posthumously inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2005. In addition, several Broadway theaters dimmed their lights in his honor following his death.

Notable Performances

“Chicago”

Orbach played the role of Billy Flynn in the original Broadway production of “Chicago” in 1975. He received critical acclaim for his performance and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

Impact and Legacy

Orbach’s performance in “Chicago” helped to establish the show as a Broadway classic. The role of Billy Flynn has since been played by several notable actors, including Richard Gere in the 2002 film adaptation.

“Beauty and the Beast”

Orbach provided the voice of Lumière in the 1991 Disney animated film “Beauty and the Beast.” He also sang the film’s signature song, “Be Our Guest.”

Impact and Legacy

Orbach’s performance in “Beauty and the Beast” helped to establish the film as a beloved classic. The character of Lumière has since become a fan favorite and a staple of Disney merchandise.

Final Thoughts

A Legacy of Talent and Dedication

Jerry Orbach was a talented actor with a career that spanned over five decades. He was known for his dedication to his craft and his commitment to his family and charitable causes. Orbach’s legacy continues to live on in the entertainment industry, and his performances will always be remembered as some of the best in Broadway and film history.

Jerry Orbach was an American actor and singer known for his remarkable performances in television, film, and Broadway. He was appreciated for his skills and talent by audiences and critics alike. Orbach’s unique and distinct voice, combined with his acting skills, made him one of the most cherished actors of his time.

Orbach’s success in the entertainment industry was not only due to his talent but also his hard work and dedication. He was committed to his craft and worked tirelessly to achieve his goals. His performances in shows such as Law & Order and films like Dirty Dancing and Crimes and Misdemeanors won him accolades and awards.

Orbach’s death in 2004 was a great loss to the entertainment industry. However, his legacy lives on through his performances and the impact he had on those who knew him. He will always be remembered as a talented actor, a great performer, and a kind-hearted person.

In conclusion, Jerry Orbach was a gifted actor who touched the hearts of many with his performances. He was a true professional who worked hard to achieve his goals and left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry. His legacy will continue to inspire aspiring actors and entertain audiences for years to come.