April 24, 2004
Breaking News: Jerry Orbach Films His Last Scenes as Lennie Briscoe
Gothamist can only call it fate. We decided to go for a run in Riverside Park this morning when we noticed some film equipment near the Boat Basin, which is somewhat odd since it's Saturday. A police officer said that Law & Order was filming. Hello!
Then we noticed our friend, Bill Klayer, who let us know that Jerry Orbach was filming his last scenes on the show - in fact, this was the scene that Detective Lennie Briscoe tells Detective Ed Green that he's leaving the 2-7 (27th Precinct). Then they would go back to the soundstage and film Detective Briscoe clearing out his desk. Gothamist got a little choked up, but got it together to run back home to retrieve a camera.
Production assistants tried to get joggers, bikers, and other passers-by to quiet down during filming.
When they finished shooting, some people associated with Riverside Park brought Jerry a cheesecake. He posed for a picture with them...
...then took a piece of cake...
...for the car ride back to the soundstage. (If you look closely, you'll see Jesse L. Martin in the back of the car - Jerry rides shotgun, natch.)
Bye, Jerry and Jesse.
Gothamist's visit to the set of Law & Order and Evening of Law & Order, a NY Times Talk with Jerry Orbach, L&O producer Dick Wolf, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and attorney Bruce Cutler. And very related, a CNN article about Law & Order addiction - thanks to everyone who emailed Gothamist about this, and, yes, we're looking to start a Law-n-Ordaholics Anonymous group - plus the great Village Voice piece about trying to give up Law & Order for Lent.
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Not only would I like to thank Jerry Orbach for devoting the past 12 years to portraying Lennie Briscoe (and hopefully many more on the spin-off), I'd also like to thank him for making me run an extra mile today. You rock, Jerry.
This is really amazing, Jennifer - that you would be running at that exact moment at the exact location where Jerry Orbach was filming his last
scene. Your favorite character on your all-time
favorite show. WOW! Someone should have taken your picture there!
holy shit- that's an amazing picture at the top.
Yeah, that first picture is going straight to my desktop. Awesome!
He'll still always be Baby's dad to me.
I'm just going to have to go into denial about Jerry/Lenny. Jerry is the absolute best. Life is unfair!
I think I'm going to cry! I can't believe he's leaving. I love Lenny! What are they going to do in that moment where he makes his wisecrack? Every episode needs a Lenny Wisecrack! I don't think I have a reason to watch anymore. When is his last episode airing?
There are signs up on Wythe Ave near North 8th in Williamsburg that they will be filming Law & Order Criminal Intent there next Tuesday...
I was about to comment on the Bburg filming.. They always film third watch around the corner from OTOM gym, but i heard rumors of L&O being in the burg soon... I'll try to get pics..
WHAT A SCOOP! PASSING PHOTOG PIX PAINT PEERLESS PICTURE OF PRIMARY POLICEMAN'S PAINFUL PASSING!
He's just leaving to star in the new Law and Order: Trial by Jury which airs January 2005.
stalker. ;)
as a long time viewer of law and order i will miss Jerry/Lenny for me he makes the show, but i will watch the new law and order trial.
as i watch all of the law and order programs.
also as a lover of audio books i try to get all that jerry reads, you all should try them, jerry makes the stories all come alive, you can just picture him speaking.
all i want to say thanks jerry
Wow, what an outpouring of support for old Jerry! I guess I'm the only one who thought his character was annoying? Oh well, I'll miss him in a strange way I guess.
I remember Orbach from his days with Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote and loved him then. When I saw him in Law & Order, I was captivated once again. At least I'll get to see him in another L&O show. Of course I watch all the L&Os so I'll still be watching Jessee
I can't imagine Law & Order without Jerry (Lenny). I was so upset to hear he is leaving the show. I will, of course, be watching all re-runs.
It was bound to happen, as Lennie Briscoe is on the mature side for a street detective. I'd be bummed if he weren't going to Trial by Jury. Being an investigator for the District Attorney's Office is a good fit for him. It will be interesting to see who replaces him on L & O Regular. I'll be watching the new show; I watch all of the others as much as possible. And two of my cats are named Lenny and Curtis.
I am still so shocked that Lenny/Jerry will be leaving the show. I hope that the show gives him a great send off, not like Chris Noth where he simply disappeared. Jerry has delivered many a great line over the years. Where ever he goes and what ever he does, he will always be Lenny to me.
There will be a 4th Law and Order series on NBC. The fourth "Law & Order" entry will be known as "Law & Order: Trial By Jury," and will star Jerry Orbach, who's spent 12 years portraying Detective Lennie Briscoe on the mother ship.
http://www.eddiebyrd.net/
DON'T GO LENNIE! WE LOVE YOU AND WE CAN'T IMAGINE LAW AND ORDER WITHOUT YOU.....DON'T GO!PLEASE....DON'T GO!
I can't put into words how devestated I am that Lennie is leaving. Don't go!
I just learned about Lennie's departure not even an hour ago. Bummmmer! Too bad they couldn't bring back
a seasoned Mike Logan to partner up with Ed Green.
I AM DIDAPPOINTED IN LEARNING THAT JERRY ORBACK IS LEAVING LAW AND ORDER. I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THIS PROGRAM FOR YEARS BECAUSE HE WAS ON THE SHOW. I LOVE HIS CHARACTER AND NOBODY CAN REPLACE HIM. HE IS A GREAT ACTOR. I HOPE THAT I MAY SEE HIM AGAIN SOON AND HIS PART AS LENNY WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED.
Lennie is my favourite L&O character by far (and JO a great actor), and he will really be missed. At least we can take heart that we can still see him in the new L&O this fall...
Sorry to spread bad news folks - It doesn't look good for Jerry from CNN on 5/17/04:
NEW YORK (AP) -- After losing two of its signature comedies, NBC will add five new series in the fall, casting Heather Locklear as an airport chief and bringing a crime drama back to the 50th state.
But an anticipated "Law & Order" spinoff with Jerry Orbach continuing his role as Lenny Briscoe didn't make the fall schedule, the network revealed Monday.
It's a shame he's leaving... he did a great job with the role!
Unbelievable. Jerry is the greatest. My husband and I are coming to New York July 22-27. Wanted to find Jerry...any ideas of where he might be?...guess not at L&O.... I asked my husband what he wanted to do most in New York and he said meet Jerry Orbach. Help if you can. THANKS!
I can't believe that Jerry Orbach is leaving Law & Order! I thought I remembered a bio that included one of his sons, and it was said that the only way Jerry would leave Law & Order was when he died. Law & Order just won't be the same, and I'm not sure I will continue to watch since Jerry Orbach IS the reason I watch. Does he or any others know where he is going from here? He is such a remarkable actor...tell me this is all a dream! WE LOVE YOU JERRY ORBACH aka Lennie Briscoe. The D'Amicos of Cincinnati, Ohio
Jerry Orbach IS Law & Order ! Who else can so eloquently generate a wise crack that is ALWAYS so timely and ALWAYS so appropriate. What style ! Jerry you will be missed although it wasn't clear to me why he was leaving to begin with !! Law and Order will be loosing a piece of it's soul ! Bouno fortuno Jerry !
Dick has, for a number of years, produced a very successful series. Jerry is a class act and has made his decision to go where ever. Know how much you have entertained and been enjoyed over the years and thank God for reruns.
From my personal perspective, your a very sexy man. The only man I've enjoyed watching more is Selleck in Magnum P.I.
You will be missed by many.
LOVED LENNIE ON THE SHOW AND WILL MISS HIM GREATLY!! CONSIDERING THE CALIBER OF SOME SHOWS ON TV/NBC NOW, I'LL BET WE'LL BE SEEING LENNIE SHORTLY ON THE NEW L&O SHOW!!!! GOODBYE LENNIE AND GOOD LUCK!!!
Show will not be the same without Jerry Orbach. We also said that when Chris Noth left the show. But the show survived without Chris as it will without Jerry. I look forward to watching Jerry in the new series. I have always enjoyed his remarks about his ex-wives. Lots of us have been there Jerry. Good luck and God Bless.
Thank you, Jerry for all the great performances you have given through the years, beginning w/Homicide: Life in the City as well as Law & Order. I even remember you as the father in "Dirty Dancing". You're a fine actor. I the words of Bob Hope "Thanks for the memories" and I look forward to your new ventures. All the best and God Bless.
Will Orbach still be portraying Lennie Briscoe in Trial by Jury?
Jerry, Television won't be the same at my house anymore. You will be greatly missed.....Law and Order is the only show that I look forward to watching. You have been the 20th centurys'Roy Rogers or Gene Autry. God Bless You !!
I am really going to miss Lennie Briscoe. Jerry, thank you for 12 wonderful seasons, you were my favorite actor on tv, period. I guess I will have to renew my library card now that you're going...
Lennie Briscoe will be missed. Thank you for giving all of us a the joy of watching you on Law and Order. Wish you and yours the best.
You've outlasted them all, Lenny. May your future be as bright as Lumiere's (Beauty and the Beast, remember?) flickering candle!
Man oh Man....Lenny and Law and Order are the only reason that I have a television. Lenny is like seeing our local police officer on tv. He just played that part so real. Law and Order is the only show on tv that does have that soap opera feel.
The first time I say Jerry Orbach on Murder she Wrote, I thought then, This is the sexiest man on TV. He became my Randolph Scott and Alan Ladd (the real men I dream about!!) After all these years of watching him on Law & Order my opinion never swayed. He just gets better as he gets older! Like a nice fine mellowed wine!!! I still tingle when I watch him on L & O. I just love me "some Jerry Orbach". Wherever he goes on TV, I'll find him there too!!
The first time I say Jerry Orbach on Murder she Wrote, I thought then, This is the sexiest man on TV. He became my Randolph Scott and Alan Ladd (the real men I dream about!!) After all these years of watching him on Law & Order my opinion never swayed. He just gets better as he gets older! Like a nice fine mellowed wine!!! I still tingle when I watch him on L & O. I just love me "some Jerry Orbach". Wherever he goes on TV, I'll find him there too!!
Lenny is law & order, I can't believe that they let him go off the show. Thank you for all the great memories and I wish you the best.
Jerry Orbach is a brilliant actor. One of the first times I saw him was in FX the Movie his role was very smart and very funny. ie: Jerry is surrounded in a house and worried about his pacemaker:) I'm gonna miss you on L&W but It won't be the last I hope
..
Em
I was disapointed with tonight's episode. It looked like it wasn't planned out. I thought there would be a big farewell ending to Lennie.
Shame on L&O
I just saw the final episode and am having a hard time keeping down the tears. From the first time I heard the OCR of the Fantasticks with Jerry as El Gallo I have adored and respected him as a performer, and rejoiced to see him as Lumiere (or rather, hear him) and as Baby's father in Dirty Dancing, but it was as Lennie Briscoe that he truly stole my heart. His rough-hewn, flawed cop with the heart of gold became the ideal for me of all detectives, the everyman of NY who toils on and speaks for all the cops out there tirelessly doing their jobs for little recognition, injecting everything with a wry wit. What a gift you have been to TV, Mr. Orbach. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will dearly miss you!! Thank God for TNT reruns!!
Why, Why, Why? I love you Jerry Orbach.
I will miss you my friend JERRY ORBACH you are a great actor law & order will not be the same with out you it's my favorite show you will be sadley missed jerry you have a special heart and a terrific smile hope we see you come back on the show some day thanks for all the memories you are the best we love you .
I have to say I LOVE Jerry Orbach! I have been a die hard Law & Order fan forever. I cried last night knowing that this was the last episode he was in. I have followed Jerry from Golden Girls to Murder, she wrote to now. Won't be the same without ya!!!Great pics.
WE love you Jerry, your wit made me watch your show every week.
yOu will always be special to me, God bless you in whatever you decide to do, I just wish you the happiness that you have brought to us, You are a sweetheart and I hate to see you go.
Enjoy live Jerry you deserve it
Annemarie
LENNY YOU MADE THE SHOW, IF YOU LEAVE IT'S NOT GOING TO BE THE SAME. LENNY YOU REMINDS ME OF A DEPUTY SHERIFF THAT WORKS WITH ME AT THE WARE COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT IN WAYCROSS, GA., AND HIS NAME IS DEPUTY LARSON HE REMINDS ME OF YOU. ME
AND MY FAMILY WILL MISS YOU. PLEASE DON'T RETIRE.
EVEN IF YOU DO MY FAMILY WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. MAY
GOD BE WITH YOU IN YOUR FUTURE. ENJOY IT.
FROM PRESTON FAMILY//WAYCROSS, GA. 31502
I hate to see him leave the show. its been along haulfor him and us too. iwant to say thank you for staying and all the hard workand agreat show allthese years. thanks again. yous truely . patricia.
I hate to see him leave the show. its been along haulfor him and us too. iwant to say thank you for staying and all the hard workand agreat show allthese years. thanks again. yous truely . patricia.
I hope the producer of the show gets a gazillion e-mails and maybe he'll bring back Lenny
F.
LOSING LENNY BRISCO IS TOTAL DEVASTATION. I NOT ONLY WATCH HIS PRESENT SHOW, BUT ALL THE RE-RUNS OVER AND OVER AND OVER. NO ONE CAN REPLACE HIM. LOTS OF LOVE FROM THIS GROUP AND ALL GOOD WISHES TO YOU, LENNY/JERRY. HEAR YOU MAY BE GOING ON BROADWAY - I'LL BE IN THE FRONT SEAT!!
Lenny was one of the best characters ever!
Jerry, you're the best.
Since Jerry Orbach has retired from Law and Order and his last episode was April 24, 2004 I hope that Dick Wolf will try and get Benjamin Bratt back or Chris Noth. I would prefer Benjamin Bratt and hope that no other person is chosen. (if Benjamin Bratt or Chris Noth is not available I hope he will consider Peter Hermann, fiance of Mariska Hargitay.
They are the best I have seen on Law and Order.
Thank you,
Diane Fournier
Jerry - Lenny - I know a lot of characters have been replaced, but I just couldn't believe my eyes and ears when I heard that last night was your last episode. I know every single episode of L & O - from the very first year all the way through and every other cast memeber change has been a bit tough but this one - Ask my family - I cried before the episode even aired. I hope you are healthy and just need a break because I remember in an interview once upon a time you stated that you loved that job - filmed in New Yord - steady and quality work. If you are ill, God Bless and if not - you better show your face at the DA's office at least once per month! If it's Broadway - I'm sure they're glad to have ou back.
I was only recently lucky enough to find this [web]site, and all the information; but I view, refer, to it always.
I am saddened by Jerry Orbach's / Lenny's leaving the show, but.... trust/hope that in the usual style the show itself will carry on just as professionally and wonderfully as always. But, a true question here: Who can possibly replace Lenny as the 'bon mot' sparring partner w/ [M.E.] Rogers, in the morgue? Their exhanges constantly entertain and joyfully amuse me.
when i found out jerry orback was leaving i was in tears. lenny always reminds me of my late father and i can not imagine watching my favorite show without him.
I could always count on the nights that I would see Jerry Orback in Law and Order. He had become a staple in my life, something that I always took as a given. I had become so accustomed to seeing him that when I heard he was leaving I felt an ache in my heart as If I were losing a friend. I thank god I have the comfort of knowing that he will make guest appearances. Jerry I will miss you greatly and thw show will not be the same without you. You are the greatest!!
I can not believe that Jerry Orbach is leaving Law & Order, the show will just not be the same. It was a fantastic run and I will miss him. There are few actors I feel I have come to know thru their work. Jerry made you feel that there was a lot of him in his roles. The only other actor I ever felt put himself into his roles as well was John Wayne. That puts you in good company Jerry. Thanks for everything, take care, and we will look for you.
i started watching law and order on tnt as reruns and have evolved into the whole law and order scene as a huge fan...i remember dennis farina from crimestory and the original manhunter and i think he is a great choice to replace lennie..best of luck to the new series which i will be checking out and try to work richard brooks back in a guest role every now and then...thanks
Hi,
I feel sad that Jerry is leaving L&O; I just can't believe it. He is a fine actor and carries a lot of dignity.I can't imagine L& O without Jerry. If he is leaving for personal reasons, I wish him well and if for health reasons, may God bless him with good health. I wish him all the luck. I hope he will be replaced with an equally good actor.
THANK YOU JERRY ORBACH, YOU HAVE BEEN GREAT! I HAVE LOVED YOU AS LENNY BRISCOE ON THE SHOW. AND I DO BELIEVE DENNIS FERINA WILL BE A LOVELY TRADE TO STAND IN YOUR PLACE. I HAVE FOLLOWED DENNIS FERINA SINCE CRIME STORY, AS WELL AS WITH A FEW OTHER MOVIES. DENNIS GREAT TO HAVE YOU ON BOARD. LAW AND ORDER KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO. THE SHOW IS STILL GREAT!! FROM AN ADMIRIER OF THE SHOW. SHARON TOWNS!! BUFFALO, NEW YORK IS IN THE HOUSE!!
I started watching "Law and Order" because although I don't notrmally watch police shows, I enjoyed it. Then Jerry Ohrbach came aong and I got absolutely hooked! I don't knw when I have enjoyed a character and a show as much as him. I am SO glad ,however, that he wasn't killed off at the end and there exists a chance to see him again. He's an A-1 actor and I will miss Lennie Briscoe a LOT!
Law and Order without Lenny Briscoe is like the night sky with no stars, Thanksgiving with no turkey dinner... Replace him, impossible. He was the backbone of Law and Order. There is no replacing him whoever the actor is they choose. If I find I can watch without his character, it will never be the same. His one-liners are one of kind and his only.