In simpler terms, the TV series ‘Law & Order’ has spanned multiple generations and features a vast array of cops, lawyers, judges, and legal professionals. Although some actors who initially brought these characters to life are now deceased, their iconic roles remain essential in reruns and marathon streaming sessions that maintain the show’s popularity with fresh viewers.
This collection showcases significant figures from the ‘Law & Order’ series and its offshoots who have regrettably passed away. For each individual, you will discover the characters they portrayed within this franchise, the years their performances graced our screens, and substantial biographical details such as their date of death and location, in addition to other informative tidbits that help us understand their contributions within the context of their work.
Jerry Orbach
Jerry Orbach portrayed Detective Lennie Briscoe on ‘Law & Order’ from 1992 to 2004, and even made appearances in the initial installments of ‘Law & Order: Trial by Jury’, despite passing away afterwards. His character was pivotal to the series and appeared in other franchise installments during special episodes.
On December 28, 2004, he passed away at the age of 69 in New York City due to prostate cancer. His last screen appearance in ‘Law & Order: Trial by Jury’ was aired after his death, and Broadway paid tribute to him by turning off its marquee lights.
Steven Hill
For approximately ten years, starting in 1990, Steven Hill played District Attorney Adam Schiff on ‘Law & Order’. Over 200 episodes, his portrayal significantly shaped the show’s legal aspect for its initial decade. He frequently led prosecutors through intricate cases, serving as their guide.
On August 23, 2016, he passed away at the age of 94 in Monsey, New York. Prior to and following his extensive tenure portraying the Manhattan district attorney on the television show, his career was marked by notable stage and screen appearances as well.
Richard Belzer
Richard Belzer first appeared as Detective John Munch on ‘Law & Order: SVU’ in 1999, having originated the character from another network crime show. He continued to be a central or recurring figure until 2016 and made further appearances that connected the whole franchise.
He passed away on February 19, 2023 at the age of 78, in his French residence. His distinct presence on television is significantly marked by numerous crossovers throughout his career and the lengthy period he spent playing Munch on screen.
Paul Sorvino
During the second and third seasons, between 1991 and 1992, Paul Sorvino portrayed Sergeant Phil Cerreta on ‘Law & Order’. His character was deeply involved in investigations that bridged street-level police work with courtroom proceedings, often taking center stage during interrogations.
On July 25, 2022, he passed away at the age of 83 in Jacksonville, Florida, due to natural causes. His acting career extended over many years past his time on the show, and subsequently, he was laid to rest at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Dennis Farina
During seasons fifteen and sixteen of ‘Law & Order’ (from 2004 to 2006), Dennis Farina took on the role of Detective Joe Fontana. Notably, this character mirrored Farina’s real-life background as a Chicago detective, lending an air of authenticity and precision to interrogation scenes and surveillance footage throughout his episodes.
On the 22nd of July, 2013, he passed away at the age of 69 in Scottsdale, Arizona as a result of a pulmonary embolism. His final resting place is Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois. He will be fondly remembered for his career in law enforcement and acting.
Fred Thompson
From 2002 to 2007, Fred Thompson portrayed District Attorney Arthur Branch on ‘Law & Order’. The character’s method of handling policy matters within the prosecutor’s office was influenced by Thompson’s actual experience in law and government.
On November 1, 2015, he passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 73, following a relapse of lymphoma. His memorial recognized his diverse career spanning both public service and entertainment, as well as his numerous years on the show.
Ned Eisenberg
Ned Eisenberg frequently played defense attorney Roger Kressler on ‘Law & Order: SVU’, and he also took on various legal roles in the original ‘Law & Order’ series. Across numerous seasons, his characters were regularly involved in plea bargaining discussions and courtroom strategies, including trial proceedings.
On the 27th of February, 2022, he passed away at the age of 65 in New York City, after a long fight against cholangiocarcinoma and uveal melanoma. Throughout his entire life, he was dedicated to both stage and screen performances, and continued to be involved in productions within New York until his death.
Mark Blum
In natural and easy-to-read language: Mark Blum made appearances on the original ‘Law & Order’ series, playing Assistant District Attorney Frank Lazar in one instance, and various characters in other episodes – a frequent occurrence among New York-based actors contributing to the franchise. Throughout his career, he was known for both recurring roles on television and a significant theater presence.
On March 25, 2020, he passed away in New York City at the age of 69, following complications related to COVID-19. Notably, his work within the franchise is among an extensive catalog of New York-based roles spanning film, television, and stage performances.
André Braugher
André Braugher played the role of defense attorney Bayard Ellis on ‘Law & Order: SVU’ from 2011 to 2015. The storylines involving his character often delved into past convictions, raising questions about fairness and the workings of the justice system.
On December 11, 2023, he passed away at the age of 61 due to lung cancer. Colleagues from the television industry paid tribute to him, highlighting the diversity of his work and the lasting impression of his iconic character in the series.
Ron Cephas Jones
During the second season of ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’, actor Ron Cephas Jones portrayed Congressman Leon Kilbride. This character was pivotal where New York political influence and organized crime probes crossed paths, featuring prominently in multiple extensive storylines.
On August 19, 2023, he passed away at the age of 66 following his prolonged battle with lung complications. After undergoing a double lung transplant in 2020, he remained active in TV productions until his passing.
Anne Meara
In two separate episodes titled “Scavenger” and “Dreams Deferred,” Anne Meara made guest appearances on ‘Law & Order: SVU.’ She portrayed distinct characters during these appearances. Her acting career, which spanned over several decades, was primarily based in New York and encompassed both stage and television productions.
She passed away on May 23, 2015, at the age of 85, in Manhattan. Her impressive portfolio in the franchise is complemented by a vast array of comedy and drama roles she played through various mediums over the years.
Robert Vaughn
In my role as an actor, I had the pleasure of being part of a beloved franchise, taking on various characters. One particularly memorable performance was on ‘Law & Order: SVU’ during the December Solstice episode. This opportunity came towards the culmination of a long and rewarding journey in film and television.
On November 11, 2016, he passed away at the age of 83 due to leukemia. One of his last performances on TV was famously remembered from an episode of ‘SVU’.
Joanna Merlin
Joanna Merlin played the recurring role of Judge Lena Petrovsky throughout several seasons on ‘Law & Order: SVU’ and also made appearances in the original ‘Law & Order’. In these shows, she was often seen presiding over important cases, becoming one of the franchise’s most recognizable figures in the courtroom.
She passed away on October 15, 2023, at the age of 92 in New York City. Her career on screen spanned decades, supplemented by extensive stage performances and teaching, leaving an indelible impact on actors far beyond the confines of her shows.
Lynn Cohen
Lynn Cohen frequently appeared as Judge Elizabeth Mizener in ‘Law & Order’ and its spin-off, ‘Law & Order: SVU’. Her character was instrumental in overseeing various trials and meetings, and she consistently added weight to episodes focusing on legal proceedings.
In my world as a cinephile, I sadly bid farewell on February 14, 2020 to a legendary actress who took her final bow at the grand age of 86 in the bustling heart of New York City. Her remarkable performances within the franchise were just a small part of an illustrious career that spanned across the stages of theatre.
James Rebhorn
James Rebhorn became a regular presence within the series from the 1990s, often assuming characters as lawyers or officials in both the original ‘Law & Order’ and ‘Law & Order: SVU’. His performances frequently placed him at the heart of the negotiations and courtroom tests that significantly influenced episode conclusions.
On March 21, 2014, he passed away at the age of 65 in South Orange, New Jersey, following a battle with melanoma. Throughout his multi-faceted career spanning film, TV, and stage performances, his contributions to the franchise were noteworthy.
Philip Bosco
Over a long period, Philip Bosco frequently appeared as a judge on the initial ‘Law & Order’. His portrayals in the courtroom were central to numerous episodes, offering consistency as the show featured various rotating legal casts.
On the 3rd of December, 2018, he passed away at the age of 88, in Haworth, New Jersey, due to complications related to dementia. Known for his extensive career as a theater actor, he also made numerous appearances on various TV shows within the franchise.
Kathryn Kates
Kathryn Kates played the role of Judge Rosa Katz in both ‘Law & Order: SVU’ and ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’. Her appearances often had her presiding over cases that combined local police work with federal cooperation during investigations.
She passed away on January 22, 2022, at the age of 73 following a fight against lung cancer. Throughout her career, she was based in New York and Los Angeles, and continued to work in television until shortly before her death.
Mary Mara
In various episodes of ‘Law & Order: SVU’, Mary Mara made notable appearances, and she was also featured in ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’. Her characters ranged from victims to suspects in complex cases demanding meticulous investigation by the respective units.
On June 26, 2022, she tragically passed away at the age of 61, following a drowning incident in the St. Lawrence River, which occurred in Cape Vincent, New York. Throughout her professional life, she had a significant presence on various network dramas and made appearances within popular franchise productions.
Please post in the comments the titles and episodes that stand out the most to you, helping us ensure our tribute remains comprehensive and current.
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2025-09-12 00:46