Jerry Orbach

Jerome Bernard Orbach was born in Bronx, New York, on October 20, 1935, the son of a vaudeville actor and a radio singer. The family moved around during his childhood, finally settling near Chicago. He attended the University of Illinois and Northwestern University and then returned to New York to begin his acting career.

Orbach had been a notable New York actor for more than three decades when he joined the television cast of "Law & Order" where he played the character Lennie Briscoe. He was a star of the city's theatrical world, having originated the roles of El Gallo in the off-Broadway "Fantasticks," Billy Flynn in the original mid-'70s Broadway run of "Chicago" and Julian Marsh in the revival of "42nd Street."

Jerry won a Tony for his performance in 1968's "Promises, Promises," a Neil Simon/Burt Bacharach/Hal David musical version of the 1960 movie "The Apartment."

As a movie actor, Orbach shined in supporting roles, including performances in 1981's "Prince of the City," 1986's "F/X," Woody Allen's 1989 film "Crimes and Misdemeanors" and 1992's "Mr. Saturday Night." He was the voice of Lumiere in "Beauty and the Beast" (1991) and the father of Jennifer Grey's character Baby in "Dirty Dancing" (1987).

Jerry died on Dec. 28, 2004, at age 69 of prostate cancer. He was married twice and is survived by his wife, Elaine Cancilla Orbach, and his children, Tony and Chris.

(Source: CNN.com)