Jerry Orbach.(in memoriam)(Brief Article)(Obituary)

American Theatre, March, 2005

Jerry Orbach--Tony-winning star of such hit musicals as Chicago, 42nd Street and Promises, Promises--died of prostate cancer in December at the age of 69. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Bronx-born actor was perhaps best known for his starring role on NBC's "Law and Order." Orbach's New York stage debut was in 1955 in the Theatre de Lys revival of The Threepenny Opera.

He went on to play El Gallo in Off Broadway's The Fantasticks. He was nominated for Tony awards for his performances in the City Center revival of Guys and Dolls and in Chicago, and won that award for Promises, Promises in 1969.