Joanna Merlin: Law & Order Special Victims Unit actress dies aged 92

Sad news for fans of New York Special Victims Unit. On Monday, October 16, it was announced that Joanna Merlin, who played the character of Judge Lena Petrovsky, has passed away.

A sad announcement

The actress passed away at the age of 92. The news came via the caption of an Instagram post from New York University's Tisch Graduate Acting Program.

We are saddened to share news of the passing of our beloved Joanna Merlin. Joanna had been a member of the grad acting faculty since 1998, where she taught Michael Chekhov's psychological gesture work as well as career and camera courses to generations of our actors.

The cause of death has not yet been revealed, but it is believed that the star died of natural causes. She leaves behind her husband David Dretzin and her only daughter, Julie.

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A look back at her career

Joanna Merlin is best known for her role on New York Special Victims Unit. She appeared in some 40 episodes between 2000 and 2011. She played the character of Judge Lena Petrovsky. A role that left a lasting impression on viewers.

Before launching her career in television, Joanna Merlin took to the Broadway stage on numerous occasions. She appeared in numerous musicals, including Fiddler on the Roof, which launched her career in the 60s. As well as being an actress, she was also a teacher, instructing students at New York University since 1998. Suzanne Somers, best known for her role in Our Lovely Family, also passed away on Sunday, October 15.

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This article has been translated from Oh!MyMag FR.

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