Joanna Merlin

A renowned actress and educator, Joanna Merlin balances her storied career in theater and television with her passion for nurturing the next generation of actors, leaving a lasting legacy on stage, screen, and in the classroom.

Born

July 15, 1931

Died

2023

Also:
Actress
Casting Director
Casting Department

Credits on file

Decades active

In short · Acted for seven decades — 24 credits.

Remembered for

Ranked by community engagement + sustained interest across this person's credits in our database.

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Biography

Joanna Merlin was an American actress and casting director known for her work with Stephen Sondheim and her role in the original Broadway production of *Fiddler on the Roof*. She later contributed to the field of acting education as a faculty member of New York University's graduate acting program and authored two acting guides. Merlin gained recognition for her recurring role as Judge Lena Petrovsky on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* from 2000 to 2011.

Filmography · 24 of 24

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