Joanna Merlin檢視原始碼討論檢視歷史

Joanna Merlin the picture originates from imdb

Joanna Merlin (born Joann Ratner; July 15, 1931 – October 15, 2023) was an American actress, casting director, and author. She was known for her work on stage and screen, as well as her pioneering career as a casting director for major film and theatre productions, including her long collaboration with composer Stephen Sondheim. She is perhaps best known to television audiences for her recurring role as Judge Lena Petrovsky on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2000–2011).

Early life and education

Joanna Merlin was born Joann Ratner in Chicago, Illinois, to a Jewish family. Her father, Henry Ratner, was a businessman, and her mother, Dora (née Merlin), was a homemaker. She adopted her mother's maiden name, Merlin, as her stage name early in her career.

She studied at the University of Chicago and later trained at the Actors Studio in New York City, where she studied under Lee Strasberg. Her early interest in theatre led her to become one of the original members of the off-Broadway movement in the 1950s.

Career

Stage acting

Merlin made her Broadway debut in 1956 in The Lark starring Julie Harris. She went on to appear in numerous stage productions, including The Master Builder (1958) and Becket (1960). However, she is most closely associated with the original Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim's Follies (1971), in which she played the role of young Sally Durant Plummer (a part she understudied and later performed), alongside Alexis Smith and Dorothy Collins.

She also appeared in the original production of Fiddler on the Roof (1964) as one of Tevye's daughters, though she left the production early to pursue other opportunities. Merlin's stage work was praised for its emotional depth and naturalism.

Casting director career

In the 1970s, Merlin transitioned into casting, becoming one of the first women to work as a lead casting director in Hollywood. She served as casting director for several influential films, including:

The Godfather Part II (1974)

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)

All the President's Men (1976)

The Turning Point (1977)

Hair (1979)

Reds (1981)

She also worked extensively in theatre, casting original productions of Sondheim's Pacific Overtures (1976) and Merrily We Roll Along (1981). Her memoir, Casting: A Manual for Actors and Directors, remains a respected resource in the industry.

Film and television acting

While best known for her casting work, Merlin continued acting throughout her life. Her film appearances include:

The Ten Commandments (1956) – uncredited extra

The Godfather Part II (1974) – minor role

Fame (1980) – as a teacher

Mystic Pizza (1988) – as Mrs. Arujo

On television, she had guest roles on Kojak, Kate & Allie, L.A. Law, and Law & Order. Her most iconic role came late in her career as Judge Lena Petrovsky on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, appearing in 22 episodes between 2000 and 2011. Her character was known for her stern but fair demeanor and no-nonsense approach to the bench.

Author

In 2001, Merlin co-authored (with Kristin Linklater) Auditioning: An Actor-Friendly Guide, though her earlier Casting: A Manual for Actors and Directors (1988) is considered her major contribution to acting pedagogy.

Personal life and death

Merlin was married twice. Her second marriage was to film editor David Newhouse, with whom she had two children. She was a longtime resident of New York City and continued teaching acting workshops well into her 80s.

Joanna Merlin died on October 15, 2023, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 92. No cause of death was immediately released.

Legacy

Merlin is remembered as a quiet trailblazer for women in the film industry, not only as a casting director but also as a performer who balanced both careers over six decades. Her work on Sondheim's productions and her role on SVU introduced her to multiple generations of audiences.

Selected filmography

Film

The Ten Commandments (1956)

The Godfather Part II (1974)

Fame (1980)

Mystic Pizza (1988)

Mr. Wonderful (1993)

The Producers (2005, cameo)

Television

Kojak (1975)

L.A. Law (1988)

Law & Order (1992)

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2000–2011) – Judge Lena Petrovsky

Theatre credits (selected)

The Lark (1956)

Fiddler on the Roof (1964)

Follies (1971)

The Visit (1973)

Bibliography

Casting: A Manual for Actors and Directors (1988)

Auditioning: An Actor-Friendly Guide (2001, co-author)