LOSS OF A WONERFUL MULTI-TALENTED PERFORMER

We've lost Jerry Orbach. The veteran stage and screen performer, who became best known to many only in the past decade as NYPD Detective Lennie Briscoe on the NBC drama "Law and Order", died Tuesday night after losing his battle with prostate cancer. He was 69.

Orbach often played the tough-guy roles, but could also sing and dance as well. He earned a Tony Award for his performance in "Promises, Promises", and was in the original cast of "The Fantasticks" as the narrator...when it was off-off Broadway. Those were only a couple of his best known stage roles, among many he has done over the years. Some may remember Orbach from his casting in "Dirty Dancing".

Jerry Orbach was one of my favourite television actors in recent years for his work on the "Law and Order" franchise. He recently left the original series and started work as a secondary performer on the new edition, "Law and Order: Trial By Jury", which is expected to premiere in 2005. He was perfect as the wise-ass, seen it all Briscoe, who has his own demons and often has a hard time working within the politically correct enviroment of today's police officer.

Lights on the Broadway marquees are expected to dim for one minute at curtain time tonight.

RIP.