Jerome Bernard "Jerry" Orbach (October 20, 1935 " December 28, 2004) was an American actor and singer. He was known for his starring role as Detective Lennie Briscoe in Law & Order, his recurring role as Harry McGraw in Murder, She Wrote, and as the voice of Lumière in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Orbach was also a noted musical theatre star. Prominent character roles that he originated include El Gallo in The Fantasticks, the longest-running musical play in history; Chuck Baxter in Promises, Promises (for which he won a Tony Award); Julian Marsh in 42nd Street; and Billy Flynn in Chicago.