He was a Broadway legend, a television and movie star, and the reason I'm writing this article about him, a Disney star. Who is he? He's Jerry Orbach, and last night, December 28th, 2004, he passed away due to prostate cancer.
In his 69 years, Orbach originated the roles of numerous characters both on and off Broadway, including, but not limited to, El Gallo in the longest running off Broadway musical, The Fantasticks and Billy Flynn in the Tony award winning musical Chicago. He also played Baby's father in the 80's classic Dirty Dancing, Lennie Briscoe in television's Law and Order, and the role he's perhaps most well known for is a role where you never see his face.
Whether watching Beauty and the Beast, walking around Downtown Disney, watching Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage in MGM Studios, or sitting in on Mickey's Phillharmagic in the Magic Kingdom, one can hear Jerry Orbach's voice, singing the classic tune, "Be Our Guest." That's right, Jerry Orbach voiced the character of Lumiere in the Walt Disney Animated Classic, Beauty and the Beast.
While I recognize that this article doesn't have a lot to do with Walt Disney World, I thought it was important to remember this Disney legend.
RIP Jerry Orbach
