Beloved Actress Joanna Merlin, Known for Fiddler On The Roof and Law & Order, Passes Away, Confirms Grieving Family
Joanna Merlin, renowned for her role in "Fiddler on the Roof" and known for appearances in series such as "Law and Order" and "Law and Order: SVU," has passed away, as confirmed by her deeply saddened daughters.
In a sombre announcement, it has been reported that Joanna Merlin has passed away at the age of 92. The accomplished actress is most celebrated for originating the iconic role of Tzeitel in the 1964 Broadway rendition of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’. Her talents also graced popular television series such as ‘Law and Order’ and ‘Law and Order: SVU’.
Joanna is said to have succumbed to complications arising from myelodysplastic syndrome, a condition affecting the bone marrow, in Los Angeles on Sunday. Her grieving daughters, Rachel Dretzin and Julie Dretzin, conveyed the news of her passing. Notably, Rachel is a distinguished documentary maker, whilst Julie follows in her mother’s footsteps as an actress.
The news of Joanna’s departure was also verified by the Instagram page of New York University’s Tisch Graduate School of Acting. She had been a valued member of the school’s esteemed faculty since 1998.
The post caption highlights how Joanna imparted knowledge in Michael Chekhov’s Psychological Gesture technique, as well as conducted classes on Career and Camera work for numerous generations of actors. Additionally, she established The Michael Chekhov Association and held the position of president emeritus.
A post on its website states: “Joanna was not only an accomplished actress but also a revered Chekhov instructor. She previously served as a casting director for distinguished figures such as Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Bernardo Bertolucci, and James Ivory. Her casting credits include the original Broadway productions of Sondheim’s Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd, and Merrily We Roll Along.”
In addition to Evita, Candide, and On the Twentieth Century, Joanna will be greatly mourned by the Grad Acting community, the Chekhov community, and the numerous individuals she impacted through her artistic work.
Joanna commenced her screen career in the 1956 film The Ten Commandments, portraying Jethro’s (Eduard Franz) daughter. She also took on minor roles in Hester Street and All That Jazz.
In 1960, she graced the Broadway stage in A Far Country. It was in Fiddler on the Roof that she secured her pivotal role as Tzeitel, delivering a standout performance of one of the show’s most renowned songs. Then, in 1980, she took on the role of Miss Berg, a dance instructor, in the iconic film Fame.
