JERRY ORBACH 1935 – 2004
Jerry Orbach was as vital a part ofLaw & Orderas the trademark cha-chung!
He spent 12 seasons chasing criminals and cracking wise as the beloved Det.
Lennie Briscoe before leaving the show last season.
Credit: David Rose/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
We knew he had the illness.
Its sad to think of not seeing him.
a craggy cop in the 1981 filmPrince of the City.
Viewers immediately warmed to Orbachs recovering-alcoholic, twice-divorced alter ego.
Wolf never regretted their choice: Jerry was the longest-running character on the longest-running drama series on television.
But that was merely the capstone on one of the landmark careers in American show business.
The fact that he could do both that he owned both really speaks something for the man.
And through it all, say friends, he maintained his regular-guy air.
(He and Marta Curro divorced in 1975 after having two sons.)
He and Elaine went to all the same restaurants, always stayed in the same neighborhood.
He was everybodys friend.
Adds Chris Noth, a.k.a.
formerL&Opartner Mike Logan: To work with Jerry was to love Jerry.
In his last scene, theyre waiting as the jury comes in.
Its a victorious scene for him.
Not to mention a fitting coda for a most memorable career and man.
Call it denial, but for me, Jerry isnt gone, says Noth.
Hes in my heart and my mind every day.
Spoken like a trueL&Ofan.
