Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order

Subject: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 05:14 PM

I always enjoyed this show and his character. I enjoyed him in everything I have seen him in.

the story is here:

Jerry Orbach

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: PoppaGator
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 05:33 PM

Boy, am I sorry to hear this.

I've only recently developed an addiction to "Law & Order" reruns, and Jerry Orbach's Detective Lenny Brisco has become a favorite character. I was looking forward to seeing him in the new L&O spinoff, but now that's not gonna happen (at least, not with Jerry).

Many people will probably be surprised to learn that Jerry Orbach had a long career on the Broadway musical stage before he became a hard-boiled wisecrakcing cop. Quite a versatile performer.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: sixtieschick
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 05:38 PM

Orbach's Broadway career was touched upon in the recent three-part history of Broadway musicals on PBS. He hoofed it and sang in the original casts of Chicago and Carousel, and won a Tony along the way. The clips of his performances were fabulous. What a versatile and talented performer!

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: catspaw49
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 05:50 PM

Yeah, a great career on Broadway and then to have a role on TV that he crafted so well. Thanks Jerry for great memories of a lifetime and an especial thanks for giving us Lenny.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: Margret RoadKnight
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 07:55 PM

Good coverage in the New York Times, including audio of him singing "Try To Remember" from his role in the opening season of "The Fantastiks" in 1960.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 10:28 PM

Saw him on Broadway in 42nd Street. Also thought he was great as the "Dad" in Dirty Dancing. Nut Lenny Brisco is him. Another series is set to start in 2006 with him as Brisco. He'll be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 10:28 PM

That's "But" not "Nut".

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: tarheel
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 10:48 PM

he was great in occasionally "murder she wrote", Law and Order,and movies!
why is it,only the good die young!!!

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: Coyote Breath
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 11:23 PM

Man oh man! What a bummer! I've always like the characters he played/created. The first film I remember seeing him in was FX, he played the mob boss.

I've been trying to get out of having a biopsy done for possible prostate cancer, hoping to find some other way than the very invasive (I won't give out the details) procedure and it's attendant dangers.

When I heard that Jerry Orbach had died and that his death was due to prostate cancer I decided that major discomfort and possible dangerous side effects were preferable to death.

That's two personal heroes who've died from that disease, Frank Zappa also succumbed to it.

My PSA is low, 2.3. But I have since learned that the PSA level is not the final word and not always reliable.

So, I say this (to myself and others) If there is ANY reason to be concerned about prostate health, do something now!

I have been watching an episode of Law and Order from a few years ago, before Lenny Briscoe started showing grey hair, when he was still partnered with Benjamin Bratt. He delivers a three part repartee drenched with tough New York cop talk. It is quick and funny and in the background are the twin towers.

I had to stop the tape.

CB

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: Áine
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 11:30 PM

Jerry Orbach was certainly more than a 'character actor' -- He was an actor with Character. I am admittedly addicted to Law and Order, and I will cherish every episode with Mr. Orbach in it. I too was looking forward to the new series with him in a starring role; sadly, it was not to be. But, he will definitely be remembered by many, many people as artist and a gentleman.

We'll miss ya, Jerry. Vaya con Dios.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: NH Dave
Date: 30 Dec 04 - 01:22 AM

I believe that he is featured in some of the early episodes of the new show, the ones shot before he became too ill to work.

Another great job he did was as the voice of Lumineire, the Candlestick, in Beauty and the beast.

Dave

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: fat B****rd
Date: 30 Dec 04 - 04:41 AM

RIP Mr. O I liked him in just about anything he was in.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: Fiolar
Date: 30 Dec 04 - 08:49 AM

So sad to see another favourite depart. Ar Deis De go Raibh Se.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: Auggie
Date: 30 Dec 04 - 11:51 PM

Coyote Breath

Jump right in and get the tests done so you'll know. It's that fear of the unknown thing that holds most of us back, and being afraid was the worst part of the whole enchilada for me.

My numbers were also low (3.6) but all 11 of my biopsy sites came back positive. After A LOT of time spent checking out the available options, I did the surgery route. A good surgeon coupled with an early diagnosis can often spare you from the side affects you allude to, but even if they happen, they aren't dangerous, tho certainly dreadfully disconcerting. And your bottom line (pardon the pun) is right. It beats the hell out of being dead.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: GUEST,bflat
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 12:32 AM

I also saw him in 42nd Street, the Fantasticks and of course as Lenny Briscoe. Thought he was great. Loved his edge and eyebrows. A fine actor with a wonderful baritone voice. I am confused by his death to prostate cancer, when there appear to be so many options for treatment. May he rest in peace.

Ellen

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 12:51 AM

Jerry Orbach images via Google. He was very good also in one of my kids' favorites when they were little, Beauty and the Beast. He sang "Be Our Guest" (now have that one get stuck in your head, just at the mention of it!).

I remember seeing him in Murder, She Wrote, and they tried to turn it into a spinoff, though that one didn't take off. He will be missed.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: catspaw49
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 03:20 AM

How much can we believe in a character? To what extent do we forget that we are watching an actor in a role versus a "real" person?

Do you remember the episode where Lenny's daughter is killed after testifying against a drug ring? When he looks at her body in the lot where she was found, an entire spectrum of history and emotions passes across his face in just a few seconds and we are in pain for Lenny Briscoe, the "real" person.

It's not every actor that can do that. Many can create a character in an ongoing part but very few can push the character into reality to the point where we feel that type of thing that we did for Lenny. Just sitting here I think how much I'm going to miss Lenny too.....................

Oh yeah........Both Lenny and Jerry were pretty sharp with a cue stick.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: Flash Company
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 09:54 AM

Favourite Lenny Briscoe line after a suspect had killed himself in custody :-
question; I thought he was on suicide watch?

Lenny: Yeah, that means they watch him commit suicide.

Seems to have been quite a character in life too. He will be missed.

FC

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: Coyote Breath
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 01:31 AM

(thanks Auggie)

I especially like his characterization of a Lenny as a recovering alcolholic. Not main theme, just an aside or two every once in a while so you'd think "Oh yeah, Lenny used to drink, didn't he?" as one might remark about a friend.

I wonder if he was, in fact, a friend of Bill W's.

CB

Subject: RE: Obit: Jerry Orbach-Law and Order
From: Peg
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 04:10 PM

I also saw him in 42nd Street in 1980 or so, and thought he was the best thing about Law & Order.
Seeing him on stage, it was odd--he did not seem like a "sexy" man, but in the scene where he sweetly kisses the ingenue who is half hsi age, it was an absolutely electric moment...
Gosh, he will be missed...