Jerry Orbach

Born:October 20, 1935

Place of Birth:New York City, New York, USA

Died:December 28, 2004

Known For:Acting

Biography

Jerome Bernard Orbach, known to the world as Jerry Orbach, was a versatile American actor and singer whose talent left a lasting impact on both the stage and screen. Born on October 20, 1935, Orbach's career spanned decades, showcasing his incredible range and charisma. While he excelled in various roles, he became a household name for his portrayal of the no-nonsense Detective Lennie Briscoe in the iconic series Law & Order, a role that solidified his status as a television legend.

Beyond his television success, Orbach's contributions to musical theatre were equally impressive. He originated the character of El Gallo in The Fantasticks, a role that showcased his theatrical prowess and set the stage for his future accomplishments on Broadway. His Tony Award-winning performance as Chuck Baxter in Promises, Promises further solidified his reputation as a leading man of the stage, captivating audiences with his magnetic presence and powerful vocals.

One of Orbach's most memorable roles was providing the voice for the charming candelabra Lumière in Disney's beloved animated film Beauty and the Beast. His smooth voice brought the character to life, enchanting audiences of all ages and adding a touch of magic to the classic tale. Orbach's ability to infuse warmth and humor into his performances made him a standout talent in both animated and live-action projects.

Throughout his career, Orbach's dedication to his craft and his ability to embody a wide range of characters set him apart as a true artist. Whether he was portraying the suave lawyer Billy Flynn in Chicago or the charismatic director Julian Marsh in 42nd Street, Orbach brought a depth and authenticity to each role that resonated with audiences and critics alike. His presence on stage and screen was truly unforgettable.

Jerry Orbach's legacy continues to endure, with his work serving as a testament to his immense talent and lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His contributions to both television and theatre have solidified his place as a beloved figure in the hearts of fans around the world. Orbach's passion for his craft, coupled with his natural charm and charisma, ensure that his performances will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.

On December 28, 2004, the world lost a true talent with the passing of Jerry Orbach. Despite his untimely death, his work remains a testament to his enduring legacy and his indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Orbach's contributions to the arts continue to be celebrated, with his performances serving as a reminder of his unparalleled skill and dedication to his craft. Through his work, he will always be remembered as a consummate professional and a gifted storyteller who brought joy and inspiration to countless fans.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Beauty and the Beast

Lumiere (voice)

1991

Follow the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman who finds herself in the castle of a prince who's been turned into a mysterious beast. With the help of the castle's enchanted staff, Belle soon learns the most important lesson of all -- that true beauty comes from within.

Dirty Dancing

Dr. Jake Houseman

1987

Expecting the usual tedium that accompanies a summer in the Catskills with her family, 17-year-old Frances 'Baby' Houseman is surprised to find herself stepping into the shoes of a professional hoofer—and unexpectedly falling in love.

Brewster's Millions

Charley Pegler

1985

Monty Brewster, an aging minor-league baseball player, stands to inherit $300 million if he can successfully spend $30 million in 30 days without anything to show for it, and without telling anyone what he's up to... A task that's a lot harder than it sounds!

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas

Lumiere (voice)

1997

Astonished to find the Beast has a deep-seeded hatred for the Christmas season, Belle endeavors to change his mind on the matter.

Universal Soldier

Dr. Christopher Gregor

1992

An American soldier who had been killed during the Vietnam War is revived 25 years later by the military as a semi-android, UniSols, a high-tech soldier of the future. After the failure of the initiative to erase all the soldier's memories, he begins to experience flashbacks that are forcing him to recall his past.

Aladdin and the King of Thieves

Sa'luk (voice)

1996

Legendary secrets are revealed as Aladdin and his friends—Jasmine, Abu, Carpet and, of course, the always entertaining Genie—face all sorts of terrifying threats and make some exciting last-minute escapes pursuing the King Of Thieves and his villainous crew.

F/X

Nicholas DeFranco

1986

A movies special effects man is hired by a government agency to help stage the assassination of a well known gangster. When the agency double cross him, he uses his special effects to trap the gangster and the corrupt agents.

Marty

Ballroom Patron (uncredited)

1955

Marty, a butcher who lives in the Bronx with his mother is unmarried at 34. Good-natured but socially awkward he faces constant badgering from family and friends to get married but has reluctantly resigned himself to bachelorhood. Marty meets Clara, an unattractive school teacher, realising their emotional connection, he promises to call but family and friends try to convince him not to.

Out for Justice

Ronny Donziger

1991

Gino Felino is an NYPD detective from Brooklyn who knows everyone and everything in his neighborhood. Killing his partner was someone's big mistake... because he's now out for justice.

Toy Soldiers

Albert Trotta (uncredited)

1991

After federal agents arrest a drug czar and put him on trial, the cartel leader's vicious son storms a prep school and takes its students hostage. They rebel against the armed intruders and try to take back their academy by any means necessary.

Guys and Dolls

Barbershop Patron (uncredited)

1955

Gambler Nathan Detroit has few options for the location of his big craps game. Needing $1,000 to pay a garage owner to host the game, Nathan bets Sky Masterson that Sky cannot get virtuous Sarah Brown out on a date. Despite some resistance, Sky negotiates a date with her in exchange for bringing people into her mission. Meanwhile, Nathan's longtime fiancée, Adelaide, wants him to go legit and marry her.

Crimes and Misdemeanors

Jack Rosenthal

1989

A renowned ophthalmologist is desperate to cut off an adulterous relationship…which ends up in murder; and a frustrated documentary filmmaker woos an attractive television producer while making a film about her insufferably self-centered boss.

Howard

Self / Lumiere (archive footage)

2018

Though legendary lyricist Howard Ashman died far too young, his impact on Broadway, movies, and the culture at large were incalculable. Told entirely through rare archival footage and interviews with Ashman’s family, friends, associates, and longtime partner Bill Lauch, Howard is an intimate tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent and a rousing celebration of musical storytelling itself.

Waking Sleeping Beauty

Self (archive footage)

2009

By the mid-1980s, the fabled animation studios of Walt Disney had fallen on hard times. The artists were polarized between newcomers hungry to innovate and old timers not yet ready to relinquish control. These conditions produced a series of box-office flops and pessimistic forecasts: maybe the best days of animation were over. Maybe the public didn't care. Only a miracle or a magic spell could produce a happy ending. Waking Sleeping Beauty is no fairy tale. It's the true story of how Disney regained its magic with a staggering output of hits - "Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast ," "Aladdin," "The Lion King," and more - over a 10-year period.

Bye Bye Birdie

Bob (Ed Sullivan Show Producer) (uncredited)

1963

A singer goes to a small town for a performance before he is drafted.

Someone to Watch Over Me

Lt. Garber

1987

Claire Gregory, an upper class New York personality, witnesses a murder in a luxurious nightclub. Detective Mike Keegan, recently promoted, is assigned to protect her.

Delirious

Lou Sherwood

1991

A soap opera writer gets hit on the head and wakes up as a character in his own show.