A star-studded memorial service for the late Broadway and television star Jerry Orbach has been set for Thurs., March 24, at 2 p.m. at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th St.). Angela Lansbury, Chita Rivera, Orbach's "Law & Order" co-star Sam Waterston, Karen Ziemba, and "Law & Order" creator and executive producer Dick Wolf are scheduled to appear.
The entertainment industry will gather to pay tribute to the life and career of the well-loved stage and screen actor, who died Dec. 28 at the age of 69 after a battle with prostate cancer.
In a written statement, Orbach's widow, Elaine, said, "This gathering is a loving celebration of Jerry's life, a salute to the many wonderful shows he did, and a testament to the incredible joy he brought to his family, friends, colleagues, and fans throughout his career. We chose the Richard Rodgers Theatre because Jerry and I met there in 1976 when we both appeared in 'Chicago.' That theatre always had a special place in our hearts."
Orbach is best known to television audiences for playing the wisecracking New York City detective Lennie Brisco, his long-running role on the popular series "Law & Order," for which he received an Emmy nomination in 2000. Earlier this year, his widow accepted a posthumous award for his performance from the Screen Actors Guild. Orbach also starred in such films as "Prince of the City," "Dirty Dancing," and "Crimes and Misdemeanors."
But Orbach was a popular stage veteran as well. He originated the roles of El Gallo in "The Fantasticks," Billy Flynn in "Chicago," and Julian Marsh in "42nd Street." He also appeared in the Broadway shows "Carnival!" and "6 Rms Riv Vu" and in revivals of "The Threepenny Opera," "Guys and Dolls," and "Annie Get Your Gun," and he won a Tony Award for best actor in a musical in 1969 for "Promises, Promises."
A limited number of seats will be available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the event.