I recall an episode of Law and Order regular where he...retired was it? Or did he transfer to somewhere else? I remember at the end of one episode him leaving after cleaning out everything of his...and then he's in the first two episodes of this show, why?
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In real life Jerry Orbach got prostate cancer and so he couldn't work the hours he needed to on the orignal L&O. On this show he was in a much more supporting role. He would only have a few scenes per episode and they would mostly be on set instead of on location, which would be easier for him to film. Also, as a crossover character the network hoped bringing Orbach on board would get more original L&O viewers to tune in to the new show. Unfortunately Jerry's illness progressed very quickly and he died after only completing two episodes.
On the show Lennie Briscoe retired from the NYPD and began working part time as an investigator for the DA's office. Similar to the real life job change for Orbach, Briscoe's new position was less demanding but still "helped pay the alimony", as he put in.
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I'm sure Jerry wished he was alive for another year too. Unfortunately, the big "C" got to him.
Personally, I wish Jerry Orbach never appeared in this particular L&O series. He was obviously weakened by his sickness, and he thus came across as a completely different character. His portrayal of Lenny had to have been my favorite of all of the L&O characters, so I think it would have been most appropriate had he stayed away from L&O altogether once he departed. An amazing actor who will be sorely missed! God bless you, Jerry!
He who conquers himself is mightier than he who conquers a city.