Actor Jerry Orbach, who voiced Lumiere in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, has died of prostate cancer at 69 in Manhattan on Dec. 28, 2004. Orbach is best known for his work on TV and the stage. He starred as veteran cop Det. Lennie Briscoe on LAW & ORDER and was the original narrator in the off-off-Broadway hit THE FANTASTICKS, which ran for more than 40 years.

He reprised his role as the French candlestick in BEAST direct-to-videos BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: THE ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS and BELLE’S MAGICAL WORLD as well as the Disney Channel TV series, HOUSE OF MOUSE, and amusement park attraction MICKEY’S PHILHARMAGIC. Additionally, he provided the voice of Sa'luk, Metal-fingered Thief, in the ALADDIN direct-to-video sequel, ALADDIN AND THE KING OF THIEVES.

On Broadway, the Bronx-born Orbach starred in hit musicals including CARNIVAL, PROMISES, PROMISES (for which he won a Tony Award), CHICAGO and 42ND STREET.

Among his film appearances were roles in DIRTY DANCING, PRINCE OF THE CITY and CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS.