(WIK) JERRY ORBACH - OCTOBER 20, 1935 – DECEMBER 28, 2004

 

In 1992, Jerry Orbach joined the main cast of Law & Order during its third season as the world-weary, wisecracking NYPD homicide detective Lennie Briscoe.

He had previously guest-starred as a defense attorney on the series, and was subsequently cast as the new "senior detective" following Paul Sorvino's departure.

Orbach's portrayal of Briscoe was based on his similar role from Prince of the City years before, which Law & Order creator Dick Wolf had personally suggested to him at the time of his casting. More of this article about this brilliant actor (Wikipedia) - link