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Jerry Orbach

Date of Death: December 28, 2004 (69)

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BIO

Jerome Bernard Orbach was an American actor and singer, described at the time of his death as "one of the last bona fide leading men of the Broadway musical and global celebrity on television" and a "versatile stage and film actor".

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Julian Marsh

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Billy Flynn

[Broadway]
1972
Paul Friedman

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1968
Chuck Baxter [Replacement]

Chuck Baxter

[Off-Broadway]
1967
Harold Wonder

[Broadway]
1967
Performer

[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1966
Charlie Davenport

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 1966
Charlie Davenport

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 1965
Jigger Craigin

[Broadway]
City Center Revival, 1965
Sky Masterson

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1964
Larry Foreman

[Off-Broadway]
1964
Larry Foreman

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1961
Horrible Henry

Margueritte

Paul Berthalet

Carrot Top

Renardo

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1960
El Gallo

El Gallo [The Narrator]

[Off-Broadway]
Return Engagement [off-Broadway], 1955
Smith [Replacement]

Streetsinger [Replacement]


Movies

Cop Hater
[ 1958 ] Mumzer - Gang Leader
Mad Dog Coll
[ 1961 ] Joe Clegg
John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!
[ 1965 ] Pinkerton
The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight
[ 1971 ] Kid Sally
A Fan's Notes
[ 1972 ] Fred Exley
Foreplay
[ 1975 ] Jerry Lorsey
The Sentinel
[ 1977 ] Film Director
Prince of the City
[ 1981 ] Detective Gus Levy
Underground Aces
[ 1981 ] Herbert Penlittle
Brewster's Millions
[ 1985 ] Charley Pegler
The Imagemaker
[ 1986 ] Byron Caine
F/X
[ 1986 ] Nichol DeFranco
Dirty Dancing
[ 1987 ] Jake Houseman
I Love N.Y.
[ 1987 ] Leo
Someone to Watch Over Me
[ 1987 ] Lt. Garber
Last Exit to Brooklyn
[ 1989 ] Boyce
Crimes and Misdemeanors
[ 1989 ] Jack Rosenthal
A Gnome Named Gnorm
[ 1990 ] Stan Walton
California Casanova
[ 1991 ] Constantin Rominoffski
Delusion
[ 1991 ] Larry
Delirious
[ 1991 ] Lou Sherwood
Beauty and the Beast
[ 1991 ] Lumiere
Dead Women in Lingerie
[ 1991 ] Mr. Bartoli
Out for Justice
[ 1991 ] Ronny Donziger
Universal Soldier
[ 1992 ] Dr. Christopher Gregor
Straight Talk
[ 1992 ] Milo Jacoby
Mr. Saturday Night
[ 1992 ] Phil Gussman
Temps
[ 1999 ] Announcer
Prince of Central Park
[ 2000 ] Businessman
Chinese Coffee
[ 2000 ] Jake Manheim
Manna from Heaven
[ 2002 ] Waltz Contest Announcer

TV Shows

Homicide: Life on the Street
Detective Leonard 'Lennie' Briscoe
House of Mouse
Lumiere
Law & Order
Detective Leonard 'Lennie' Briscoe
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Detective Leonard 'Lennie' Briscoe
Murder, She Wrote
Harry McGraw
The Law and Harry McGraw
Harry McGraw

Awards and Nominations


winner
The Lortels - 1999 - Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence

Jerry Orbach

Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Actor - Musical

Jerry Orbach, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Jerry Orbach, Chicago


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1969 - Outstanding Performance

Jerry Orbach, Promises, Promises


winner
Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Jerry Orbach, Promises, Promises

Tony Awards - 1965 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Jerry Orbach , Guys and Dolls

Videos

News


The Naples Players Adds Phillip Fazio As Artistic Director
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 8, 2025

The Naples Players (TNP) is announcing that, after a competitive national search, Bryce Alexander - CEO & Executive Artistic Director - has selected Phillip Fazio to join him in leading the organization as TNP's new Artistic Director.
DIRTY DANCING IN CONCERT is Coming to Popejoy Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 4, 2025

Get ready to have the time of your life! Immerse yourself in the timeless romance of the iconic Academy Award-winning film as global content leader Lionsgate and GEA Live present the return of Dirty Dancing in Concert at Popejoy Hall. Learn more!
DIRTY DANCING Comes to the Warner Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 29, 2025

The global phenomenon of Dirty Dancing in Concert will bring its magic back to North America for a tour spanning 50 cities including a stop at Torrington’s Warner Theatre.
Christopher Douglaston Ryan Joins Cast of PERFECT CRIME
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

Christopher Douglaston Ryan is now starring as Lionel McCauley in NYC's Longest Running Play, Perfect Crime, alongside John Schneider, Catherine Russell, and David Butler, now playing Off-Broadway at the Anne L. Bernstein Theater. 
Meet the Cast of REDWOOD, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Jan 24, 2025

Redwood on Broadway, starring Idina Menzel will begin previews tonight at the Nederlander Theatre. The production also stars De’Adre Aziza, Michael Park, Zachary Noah Piser, and Khaila Wilcoxon. Meet the cast here!
Director and Choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett Passes Away at 78
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 14, 2025

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett. The news was confirmed by her son, Shaun Taylor-Corbett. Lynne was nominated for Tony Awards and a Drama Desk Award for Broadway’s “Swing!”
Review: CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL at Kauffman Theater
by Alan Portner - Jan 10, 2025

Chicago, the Musical, now playing at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, is a super evening out for you and your significant other.  It is a welcome respite from our incredible snow event last weekend. 
Last Chance To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 27, 2024

This is the last chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Final Week To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 23, 2024

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
A 2024 Broadway Holiday Streaming Guide
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 17, 2024

From Sabrina Carpenter's new Christmas special to musical classics like Albert Finney's Scrooge, find out which holiday streaming titles will bring a Broadway fan some extra joy this year.
Vote For The 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards; TONY BENNETT: A TRIBUTE Leads Best Show!
by BWW Awards - Dec 16, 2024

Voting continues for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
20th Annual Fred Ebb Award To Be Presented Tonight at The Todd Haimes Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2024

The Fred Ebb Foundation in association with the Roundabout Theatre Company will present the twentieth annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels. Learn more!
Daniel Starnes Joins THE OFFICE! A MUSICAL PARODY Off-Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 22, 2024

Daniel Starnes is now starring in Off-Broadway’s hit The Office! A Musical Parody, playing the role of Creed & Others. Daniel Starnes most recently performed aboard the Disney Wish. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Gabrielle Stravelli, Klea Blackhurst, and Graham Rowat Join SING HAPPY: THE LYRICS OF FRED EBB
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2024

The Fred Ebb Foundation and Birdland Jazz Club announced additional performers for Sing Happy: The Lyrics of Fred Ebb, which will take place next week at Birdland Jazz Club.
Nick Mason Joins Off-Broadway's THE OFFICE! A MUSICAL PARODY
by Stephi Wild - Nov 14, 2024

Nick Mason is now starring in Off-Broadway's hit The Office! A Musical Parody, playing the role of Dwight & Others. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!
THE FANTASTICKS LGBTQIA+ Rewrite Extended at Island City Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2024

ISLAND CITY STAGE has extended THE FANTASTICKS, offering a South Florida premiere with an LGBTQ+ twist. Discover this reimagined classic musical in its limited run.
Cheeyang Ng and Eric Sorrels Will Receive 20th Annual Fred Ebb Award
by Stephi Wild - Nov 4, 2024

The Fred Ebb Foundation will present the twentieth annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels. Learn more about the award and the ceremony here!
Blake Brundy Joins Cast Of Off-Broadway's SINGFELD! AN UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY ABOUT NOTHING
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 3, 2024

Blake Brundy is now starring in Off-Broadway's hit Singfeld! An Unauthorized Musical Parody About Nothing, playing the role of Everybody Else in NYC. The cast of SINGFELD! also features Dustin Scully, Micaela Oliverio, C.J. Russo, and Alexander McConkie.
Brayden Krikke Joins Cast of THE OFFICE! A MUSICAL PARODY
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 31, 2024

Brayden Krikke is now starring in Off-Broadway’s hit The Office! A Musical Parody, playing the role of Jim/Andy. Krikke’s credits include: Vocalist (Celebrity Cruises), The Flash (Justice League Tour), Lucas (The Addams Family), and Prince Eric (The Little Mermaid).
Review: NORM LEWIS at The Barns At Wolf Trap
by David Friscic - Oct 21, 2024

A veneer of unabashed professionalism, musical prowess, and often amusing self-reflection enveloped the Broadways star Norm Lewis (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, etc.) as he delighted the audience at The Barns at Wolf Trap. Norm Lewis’ rich and resonant baritone voice is a natural wonder of the musical world ----Lewis’ expressive baritone spans the range between tenor and bass with exceptional fluidity yet concurrent control.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Jerry Orbach been in?

Jerry Orbach has appeared on Broadway in 10 shows.

How many West End shows has Jerry Orbach been in?

Jerry Orbach has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Jerry Orbach been nominated for?

Jerry Orbach has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He was nominated for the Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence at The Lortels. He was also nominated for Outstanding Actor - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for his role in "Chicago". In addition, he received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for his performances in both "Chicago" and "Promises, Promises". Furthermore, he was nominated for Outstanding Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for "Promises, Promises". Lastly, he received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for his role in "Guys and Dolls".

What awards has Jerry Orbach won?

Jerry Orbach has won several awards throughout his career. He received the Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence at The Lortels. He also won the Outstanding Performance award at the Drama Desk Awards for his role in Promises, Promises. Additionally, he won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his performance in Promises, Promises.

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