Jerry Orbach Quotes

Powerful Jerry Orbach for Daily Growth

About Jerry Orbach

Jerry Orbach (June 10, 1935 – December 28, 2004) was an accomplished American actor, known for his versatile performances in theater, film, and television. Born in The Bronx, New York City, Orbach displayed an early interest in acting, performing in school plays and local productions. He graduated from the High School of Music & Art before joining the U.S. Army in 1956, where he performed in military shows. After his discharge in 1958, Orbach continued honing his craft at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. His breakthrough role was Lenny in the original Broadway production of "West Side Story" (1957-1959), which earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Orbach's career flourished as he transitioned to television and film, with notable performances in "The Outer Limits," "Mission: Impossible," "Barney Miller," and "Chicago Hope." However, it was his portrayal of Detective Lennie Briscoe on "Law & Order" (1993-2004) that cemented his status as a household name. The role garnered him three Emmy Awards and seven consecutive Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film. Throughout his life, Orbach remained committed to the stage, performing in numerous Broadway productions such as "Promises, Promises," "42nd Street," "My Ain Folk," and "The Rink." He also lent his voice to iconic characters like Candelabra in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" (1991) and Hades in "Hercules" (1998). Orbach's talent, charisma, and dedication earned him a place among the greats of American acting. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of performers, and his impact on both stage and screen is undeniable.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes."

Jerry Orbach's quote suggests that life is made up of experiences and encounters, both positive (hellos) and negative (goodbyes). The "hellos" represent the start of relationships, new chapters, and opportunities, while the "goodbyes" symbolize endings, transitions, and losses. The quote emphasizes that life is a continuous cycle of change, where we encounter people, events, and circumstances, only to part ways and move on to the next experience. It is a reminder that life involves both joy and sorrow, growth and decline, love and loss.


"I believe that everyone has it in their heart to do something wonderful if it's brought to their attention and they are given a chance."

Jerry Orbach's quote highlights the inherent potential for goodness in every individual, suggesting that when presented with the right opportunity or awareness, people can do remarkable things. It emphasizes the importance of bringing positive possibilities to others' attention and providing them with the chance to act upon it, thereby enabling their capacity for doing something wonderful to manifest.


"Love is an endless mystery, the more you give, the more you have."

Jerry Orbach's quote expresses that love, being an enigmatic force, grows with giving. It suggests that by investing more in love – through acts of kindness, understanding, and empathy – one not only strengthens their own feelings but also receives love in return, creating a never-ending cycle. In essence, the quote highlights the idea that love is not a zero-sum game; rather, it thrives when shared generously.


"The truth will set you free... but first it will piss you off."

This quote emphasizes that the pursuit and acceptance of truth, even though initially uncomfortable or irritating (as it may "piss you off"), is ultimately liberating and empowering for an individual. The truth, when confronted honestly, has a cathartic effect on our understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us. It breaks free the mental chains that bind us to misconceptions or false beliefs, allowing us to grow, learn, and move forward with clarity and self-awareness.


"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain."

This quote, from actor Jerry Orbach, encourages a resilient perspective on life. Instead of enduring hardships or challenges with the hope that they will eventually pass, it suggests embracing them and finding joy and movement amidst adversity - dancing in the rain, so to speak. Essentially, it's a reminder to live fully, find peace, and express ourselves even when facing obstacles, rather than just waiting for easier times.


It's a lot more fun for actors to cry and rant and rave, or have a drug problem or a drinking problem.

- Jerry Orbach

Problem, Lot, Rant, Rave

All my life, since I was 16, I've been wondering where that next job was gonna come from.

- Jerry Orbach

My Life, Next, Been, Wondering

I used to say when I was working in the theater that if I ever had five seasons of a hit TV show I'd never have to worry about money and wouldn't have to do anything I didn't want to do.

- Jerry Orbach

Worry, Seasons, TV, Five

'Home Alone' was a movie, not an alibi.

- Jerry Orbach

Alone, Movies, Movie, Alibi

I don't like to dwell all day over one scene as you do in a big feature.

- Jerry Orbach

Big, Over, Like, Feature

Big feature films are another world.

- Jerry Orbach

Big, Films, Feature Films, Feature

I think the choice of actors that we have is a little more varied and rich here in New York than in L.A.

- Jerry Orbach

Think, New, Here, Varied

Now I take the summer off, relax, and I know that at the end of July we're gonna start another season.

- Jerry Orbach

Relax, Another, Gonna, July

There's a pace in TV I like.

- Jerry Orbach

Like, TV, Pace

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