Jerry Orbach

Date of Birth: October 20, 1935

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: December 28, 2004

Biography

Jerome Bernard Orbach, known professionally as Jerry Orbach, was an acclaimed American actor and singer, best known for his work in both theater and television. Born in the Bronx, New York City, Orbach developed a passion for the performing arts at a young age. He attended Northwestern University before transferring to the University of Illinois, where he honed his acting skills. Orbach’s career began on Broadway, where he became a prominent figure in musical theater. He originated the role of El Gallo in “The Fantasticks,” the longest-running musical in history, and won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in “Promises, Promises.” Other notable Broadway credits include “Chicago,” “42nd Street,” and “Carnival.” In addition to his stage work, Orbach achieved significant success on television. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Detective Lennie Briscoe on the long-running NBC series “Law & Order,” a role he played from 1992 until 2004. His portrayal of Briscoe earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Orbach also appeared in numerous films, including “Dirty Dancing,” “Crimes and Misdemeanors,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” in which he voiced the character Lumière. His versatility as an actor allowed him to excel in a variety of genres, from drama to comedy to animation.

5 Interesting Facts about Jerry Orbach

1. Jerry Orbach was posthumously honored with a corner named after him in New York City’s Theater District, “Jerry Orbach Way,” at the intersection of 53rd Street and Eighth Avenue.

2. He provided the voice for Lumière, the charming candelabra, in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” and sang the iconic song “Be Our Guest.”

3. Orbach was a skilled singer and performed in nightclubs and cabarets before making a name for himself on Broadway.

4. He was married twice, first to Marta Curro, with whom he had two sons, and later to Elaine Cancilla, a fellow Broadway actress.

5. Jerry Orbach’s portrayal of Detective Lennie Briscoe on “Law & Order” was so beloved that he continued to play Briscoe in the spin-off series “Law & Order: Trial by Jury” until his death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jerry Orbach

1. “You can always pick a fight with a guy who’ll buy the next round.”

2. “It’s a lot of fun to play someone who’s not a hero.”

3. “I like to think I connect with people on a human level.”

4. “Theater is a great training ground; it’s where you really learn the craft.”

5. “I’ve been very lucky to have a long career in this business.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Jerry Orbach was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Jerry Orbach had two sons with his first wife, Marta Curro: Anthony Nicholas Orbach and Christopher Benjamin Orbach. Christopher followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in acting and music.