Volume III. No. 22
 12-30-04
 The Man Who Breathed Life Into The Role 
 Of Detective Lennie Briscoe
 author: Vance Cureton
 © Copyright 2004
 

 All actors have this one great fear. That of being typecast. Of being forever
 identified with one particular character. Typecasting can be a curse because 
 it may prevent an artist from redefining themselves. And actors, just like the 
 rest of us, can benefit from change.

 Well, here's one actor that was typecast at the end of his career. His name 
 was Jerry Orbach. He passed away this week from prostate cancer. Orbach 
 was only 69 at the time of his death, and if the truth be told, that's gettin' 
 on a bit in television years. But most of us, especially those under the age 
 of 30, will only know Jerry Orbach by way of of his role as television's 
 Detective Lennie Briscoe. 

 Yeah, that typecasting thing, again.

 Orbach just nailed the character. Detective Lennie Briscoe was for real. His 
 face was weathered and world-weary. Especially in the latter years.  Briscoe's
 mannerisms and attitude were all New York City. -- Btw, do all New York
 City cops snack on the run like that? Must be awful tough on the gut.

 Briscoe was a hard guy, too. And not physically, necessarily, but mentally, 
 because the job as a detective, required that. 

 Detective Briscoe was a man who was capable of a fair amount of empathy and 
 compassion for those on the wrong side of the law. Especially, for the small-time 
 hoods out there, who in their own twisted way, were just trying to survive 
 in a hard luck city. Sure, the bad guys were ruthless criminals. But, Briscoe 
 never forgot that they were also human. It was this incredible ability of his 
 to connnect with the human element of even the worst dregs of society 
 that made him a more surefooted cop.

 Orbach carried the Law and Order franchise. Through all the cast changes, 
 his performances alone, were reason enough to tune in. And whether working 
 with Chris Noth, Benjamin Bratt, or Jesse L. Martin , it was Orbach's Detective 
 Briscoe that always shined. 

 Lennie Briscoe certainly belongs on the list of the best television guys who
 ever carried a badge. He's right there along with Sgt. Joe Friday, Lt. Theo Kojak, 
 and Hawaii Five O's impeccable Steve MacGarrett. -- And even with that portly 
 cop who ambles about over on ABC.

 There isn't a lot in this article about Orbach's song and dance career. He was 
 certainly a great talent. It is a tribute that a Broadway thespian who could sing 
 and dance his way across the stage with the best of them, could define a 
 hard-nosed city cop with such sublime perfection.

 Yeah, Jerry you were typecast somewhat at the end. Most people will remember
 your name only in association with your Law and Order role. That you maintained 
 the sheen on such a Hall of Fame character for twelve long years, is saying 
 an awful lot. So, never mind about the typecasting. Lennie Briscoe is a finished 
 product, now. He's done.

 But, you did it guy. You nailed it.
 

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