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.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Arts & Entertainment on April 24, 2004 10:53 AM

Comments [rss]

dandmb50

@dandm50 - I still watch/record the show but miss seeing the episodes with him he was always one of my favorites.

Daniel .. Toronto, CANADA
http://bit.ly/bMGh0h

drew edwards

In the season finale of "Criminal Intent" which played May 21, 2007, Mike Logan talks about dreaming of Lenny telling him, "I'm not dead, Mike," only to wake and find that Lenny is still dead.

It was a touching and unexpected scene. I still miss Jerry/Lenny. Certainly the franchise has not been the same without him.

Thanks for the photos and keeping this page up, gothamist.com.

Patrick Maloney

What I love about Jerry Orbach beause he is best guy and my dad said here is your buddy Jerry Orbach. Jerry Orbach and David Ogden Stiers are nothing but funny guys to get Lumiere. But for Jerry was on news it make me sad when he pass away.

By the way thanks Jerry for the rest of your shol. P.S. Alex.T and I will miss you for Lumiere and Cogsworth

Patrick Maloney

Jerry Orbach is my farvorte guy I love him. It makes me sad when he is died. I love him in Law & Order. He also did Lumiere I also do him. My Friend Alex do the Clock

Patrick

Patrick Maloney

I loved Jerry Orbach when he did Law & Order and Beauty and the Beast. My mom said Patrick loves Law & Order especially the ones with Jerry Orbach. I wish that I was on Law & Order. So I'm sorry for you when Jerry died. How did he get cancer?

Love Patrick Maloney

P.S. We all miss him. I hope David Odgen Steries went to his funeral.

Health

Health

Health

Health

Emilio

I'm so dissapointed that Jerry Orbach died in this way and his chracter for law and order was the best i loved his eyebrows they wer kinda funny but now that hes gone law and order is not the same the only reason i watch it is because epatha merkerson and elisabeth rohm is there they're the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sylvia Weinglass

Thank goodness for reruns>

As with Nat King Cole, Jerry Ohrbach will be seen into

eternity.

I miss him .

Katie

Hi everyone,

I have created a Yahoo group in memory of Jerry Orbach. Feel free to join.

www.groups.yahoo.com/group/Jer...

Hugz,

Katie

joanna

like everyone else i will sooooo miss u lenny!! (or jerry!) u were the best on the show,it just wont be the same w/out u.....very sad u left us but you are in a better place now :) god bess!!!!

Melinda

I am deeply heart-broken of the passing of such a fantastic and versatile actor: Jerry Orbach. His charactor on Law & Order MADE the show and was the primary reason I started watching it faithfully. Jerry, you will fondly be remembered and will forever be cherished and live in my heart. Sweet dreams forever, dear friend...

Chris

I can't believe that he's gone. He was the heart and soul of Law & Order. It will Never be the same, and I don't think that I will ever watch it again. The Good Old days are behind us. Thanks Jerry for everything. Every Law & Order fan will miss you. Take care, Lennie.

Barb Dunigan

I have loved Law and Order for more years than I realize. I loved Jerry Orbach - he had "IT" I was so looking forward to his new show, and was shocked and devastated when I learned that he had passed away, and apparently had been sick for 10 yrs.. I wonder what type of treatment (if any) he had been receiving those 10 yrs. I am a Law and OrderAHolic for sure, but will miss Jerry the most.

Barb

Cate

I found a chatroom by yahoo and it had Law & Order....I waited and waited for someone to come into that room so that I could "chat" with them about the show.....:-( no one ever did!!!! Why???? It really made me feel like I was the only one...then I discovered this page where so many people have expressed themselves....couldn't at least one of you have joined me in conversation about our fave show.

Cate from Australia

Beachbunnync

Hello my name is Beachbunnync and I am a Law and Ordaholic.

I miss Jerry so much from his broad fatherly way on Dirty Dancing to even a Cop with Stephen Stegal Out for Justice. He took roles and you really thought this guy walks the walk and talks the talk. I guess The Lord above needed more Law and Order Now then Ever, Huhhhh.

Cate

Hi From Australia,

I'm really sad that Jerry was leaving L&O....but now I'm even sadder to find out that he's died...was happy to see that he was going to be on another show....but now.... :-(

What I can't believe is that I've been watching the show for sooo long and it as well as it's spinoffs are my fave....

Well all I can say is that Jerry will be sadly missed...my thoughts are to his family and friends and to us...his adoring fans....you're still in our hearts Jerry

p

I am speechless. Jerry was one of my favorite characters on Law and Order. His character's dry wit and constant sarcasm as an officer of the law was beyond reproach. I will so miss him. I hope that his family knows just how much he will be missed. He was and shall be a great actor. My best to all who knew and admired him.

P

S. G. Spalding

It's so touching to see how many other people felt the way I did about Mr. Orbach! I thought I must be in the minority--because I loved the man for his talent--but obviously not!

Of course, his departure from the show left me depressed and confused, but now we understand better what prompted his decision to leave.

I remember so well Det. Greene's reaction when Lennie told him he had "put in his papers".

"What!?!" "Damn, Lennie!" My reaction exactly.

And I mean EXACTLY! I said the same words, in the exact same tone, at the exact same time! I'll NEVER forget that!

God, Jerry, how you will be missed--by me as well as many other people apparently!

I would love to see them bring Chris Noth back, permanently if possible. He had damn well better be present if the show does a tribute episode or shows scenes of Lennie's funeral.

By the way, all these people posting comments who claim to be such huge fans of Law and Order and of Mr. Orbach: The least you should be capable of is spelling the man's name correctly. That goes for the character, too.

DAWN

LENNIE BRISCOE/JERRY ORBACK WAS MY FAVORITE CHARACTER ON LAW AND ORDE. I THOUGHT HIM LEAVING LAST YEAR WAS BAD....NEVER MIND HIM DYING! LENNIE/JERRY YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS AND MY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEE YOU SAFE! YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED!