Law and Order star Joanna Merlin has died at the age of 92.
The actress, who also starred in The Fiddler on the Roof and Fame, passed away in Los Angeles following complications of myelodysplastic syndrome, which is a bone marrow disorder.
Her death was confirmed on Monday by New York University Tisch Graduate Acting Program, where Merlin has taught future stars since 1998.
An Instagram post read: ‘We are saddened to share news about the passing of our beloved Joanna Merlin. Joanna was a member of the Grad Acting faculty since 1998, where she taught Michael Chekhov’s Psychological Gesture work as well as Career and Camera classes to generations of our actors.
‘Joanna was an actress, master Chekhov teacher, and former casting director for Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Bernardo Bertolucci, and James Ivory.
Devastating: Law and Order star Joanna Merlin has died at the age of 92
Sad: Her death was confirmed on Monday by New York University Tisch Graduate Acting Program, where Merlin has taught future stars since 1998
‘Joanna will be deeply missed at Grad Acting, by the Chekhov community, and by the many people she touched through her artistry. Our thoughts are with her family, we send them love from the Grad Acting community.’
Fans were quick to pay their respects, with one penning on Twitter: ‘A true legend. Grateful to have sat at her feet however brief’
Another said: ‘Very sad about the passing of Joanna Merlin. She was a marvelous actress, teacher, casting director, and human being. She truly changed my life’
A third added: ‘This one hurts Joanna Merlin, who played Judge Lena Petrovsky on #svu died. Rest in peace.’
One fan wrote: ‘Her warmth, brilliance and generosity will be missed by colleagues and students alike.’
‘A true legend. grateful to have sat at her feet however brief,’ another said.
One fan penned: ‘Inspiring, talented, classy lady was #JoannaMerlin. I owe her for my career on Broadway, with incomparable #HaroldlPrince & #JohnDavidWilder. Gracious, supportive, caring – a wonderful teacher as well. May #JoannaMerlin be carried on Wings of Angels to a heavenly rest. Blessings.’
Merlin was married to her husband David Dretzin from 1964 until his death in 2006. They share two daughters, actor Julie Dretzin and producer Rachel Dretzi.
The actress was best known for originating the role of Tzeitel in the 1964 Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof.
Prior to that in 1960, she appeared in the Broadway show of A Far Country. In 1980, she also played Miss Berg, a dance teacher, in the iconic film Fame.
Legend: In 1980, she also played Miss Berg, a dance teacher, in the iconic film Fame
Talented: Outside of acting, Joanna was also a casting director, acting teacher, and author
Fans were quick to pay their respects, with one penning on Twitter: ‘A true legend. Grateful to have sat at her feet however brief’
One of Joanna’s most famous roles was on NBC’s Law and Order franchise. In 1992, she first appeared on the popular series as a defense attorney and later went on to star as her recurring role as Judge Lena Petrovsky in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
She played a very strict rule-oriented judge and often scolded characters on the show. She appeared as Judge Lena for every season of the show between the years 2000 and 2011.
Outside of acting, Joanna was also a casting director, acting teacher, and author.
Joanna published two acting guides during her career and was an employee of New York University’s graduate acting program.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk