Joanna Merlin
Biography
Joanna Merlin was an American actress and casting director. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on July 15, 1931. Merlin worked with Stephen Sondheim and starred in the original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof. She wrote two acting guides, including "Auditioning: An Actor-Friendly Guide." Merlin was a faculty member of New York University's graduate acting program. She appeared in the TV show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as Judge Lena Petrovsky. Merlin passed away on October 15, 2023, at the age of 92.
Career overview
Joanna Merlin is an American actress who has worked in the entertainment industry. She has been involved in various projects, including the original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof. Merlin has also collaborated with notable figures such as Stephen Sondheim.
As an actress, Merlin has appeared in a number of productions. Her acting credits are extensive, with over 50 known roles. She has also written acting guides, including "Auditioning: An Actor-Friendly Guide." This work showcases her expertise in the field of acting and provides guidance for aspiring actors.
Merlin's acting career has spanned many years, with her birthdate listed as July 15, 1931. She passed away on October 15, 2023, at the age of 92. Throughout her career, Merlin has demonstrated her versatility as an actress and her commitment to the craft of acting. Her contributions to the entertainment industry have been significant, and her work continues to be recognized and respected.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
52 titles- Active Adults (2017) as Miriam
- Homeland (2011) as Grandma
- Sarah's Key (2010) as Mrs. Rainsferd
- The Good Wife (2009) as Loni Goslin
- The Wackness (2008) as Grandma Shapiro
- The Invasion (2007) as Joan Kaufman
- The Jury (2004)
- The Jimmy Show (2002) as Emily
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) as Lena Petrovsky
- Witness Protection (1999) as Cindy's Mother
- City of Angels (1998) as Teresa
- The Prosecutors (1996) as Jewel
- MURDER and murder (1996) as Doris
- Jefferson in Paris (1995) Casting
- Two Bits (1995) as Guendolina
- New York Undercover (1994)
- Little Buddha (1993) Casting
- Mr. Wonderful (1993) as Loretta
- Love, Honor & Obey: The Last Mafia Marriage (1993) as Rose Profaci
- Class Action (1991) as Estelle Ward
- In a Child's Name (1991) as Frances Silvano
- Into the Woods (1991) Casting
- Baby Talk (1991) as Gina
- Law & Order (1990) as Deirdre Powell
- Law & Order (1990) as Defense Attorney Carla Bowman
- Northern Exposure (1990) as Nadine Fleischman
- Murder in Black and White (1990) as Dr. Bromberg
- Mr. & Mrs. Bridge (1990) Casting
- American Experience (1988) as Family Member (voice)
- Mystic Pizza (1988) as Mrs. Arujo
- The Last Emperor (1987) Casting
- Prince of Darkness (1987) as Bag Lady
- L.A. Law (1986) as Ellen Kennedy
- Big Trouble in Little China (1986) Casting
- Amazing Stories (1985) as Marie
- The Killing Fields (1984) as Schanberg's Sister
- Baby It's You (1983) as Mrs. Rosen
- Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number (1983)
- American Playhouse (1982) as Dolly Stieglitz
- Love Child (1982) as Mrs. Sturgis
- Soup for One (1982) as Allan's Mother
- Starstruck (1981) as Inez Marin
- Fame (1980) as Miss Berg
- Nurse (1980) as Nan Riley
- All That Jazz (1979) as Nurse Pierce
- The Last Tenant (1978) as Mrs. Farelli
- Hester Street (1975) as Jake's Landlady
- Another World (1964)
- The Power and the Glory (1963)
- Weddings and Babies (1960) as Josie
- Naked City (1958) as Gloria Werminski
- The Ten Commandments (1956) as Jethro's Daughter
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Joanna Merlin best known for?
Joanna Merlin is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including La Vie en Rose (2007), Sarah's Key (2010), The Good Wife (2009), The Wackness (2008).
When and where was Joanna Merlin born?
Joanna Merlin was born on July 16, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. They passed away on October 15, 2023.
How many credits does Joanna Merlin have?
Joanna Merlin has accumulated over 52 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1956 to 2017.
What is Joanna Merlin's background in cinema and television?
Joanna Merlin was an American actress and casting director. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on July 15, 1931. Merlin worked with Stephen Sondheim and starred in the original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof. She wrote two acting guides, including "Auditioning: An Actor-Friendly Guide." Merlin was a fa...
Joanna Merlin by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) as Lena Petrovsky — aged about 67
- Northern Exposure (1990) as Nadine Fleischman — aged about 58
- The Ten Commandments (1956) as Jethro's Daughter — aged about 24
- Homeland (2011) as Grandma — aged about 79
- The Good Wife (2009) as Loni Goslin — aged about 77
- Amazing Stories (1985) as Marie — aged about 53
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