Joanna Merlin is a multifaceted professional with a remarkable career spanning across the realms of acting and casting direction. Born in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, she made her mark in the world of motion pictures with her debut in Cecil B. DeMille's monumental production, The Ten Commandments, in 1956.
As her talents continued to unfold, Merlin made her Broadway debut in 1961 as a replacement performer in the thought-provoking play, A Far Country, which delved into the life of the renowned Sigmund Freud. Her subsequent Broadway appearances were marked by her creative role as Tzeitel in the original production of Fiddler on the Roof, produced by the illustrious Harold Prince.
Merlin's collaboration with Prince and composer Stephen Sondheim led to a string of legendary Broadway musicals, commencing with the original production of Company. Her impressive casting credits during this period include Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd, and Merrily We Roll Along, all of which showcased her exceptional skill in bringing together talented performers.
Beyond her work in musical theatre, Merlin's acting credits extend to a diverse range of feature films, commencing with her notable role in Hester Street in 1975. Her subsequent film appearances include All That Jazz, Fame, The Killing Fields, and Mystic Pizza, among others.
In addition to her film work, Merlin has also made a lasting impact on television, with recurring roles in Law & Order and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, where she has played the esteemed Judge Lena Petrovsky for the past four and one-half years.
