| Elaine Cancilla Orbach | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 19, 1940 Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA |
| Died | April 1, 2009 (aged 69) New York City, New York, USA |
| Other names | Elaine Cancilla (professionally) |
| Occupation | Actress and dancer |
| Years active | 1959–2000s |
| Spouse | Jerry Orbach (1979-2004; his death) |
Elaine Cancilla Orbach (January 19, 1940 – April 1, 2009) was an American stage and musical theatre actress and dancer.
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Orbach, known professionally as Elaine Cancilla, appeared on Broadway and Off Broadway in productions including: Fiorello!, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Here's Love, Flora the Red Menace, Sweet Charity and Cry for Us All.
In 1979 she married actor Jerry Orbach, a star on stage and later of film and television (Law & Order). They had met several years earlier while appearing together in the original Broadway theatre production of the Kander & Ebb musical, Chicago. They also co-starred in a touring production of Neil Simon's play, Chapter Two.
Following his death in 2004, she fought to have a portion of 53rd Street at Eighth Avenue, in New York City's Theatre District (and near his long-time home), renamed "Jerry Orbach Way"; it was rechristened in 2007.
She died on April 1, 2009, aged 69, from pneumonia in a hospital in New York City.
In addition to her two stepsons from her husband's first marriage, she is survived by her sister, Rita Hubbard; her brother, Robert Cancilla; and several nieces and nephews. She was also survived by two step grandchildren named Peter and Sarah Kate Orbach who are the children of her older stepson, Tony Orbach. Her younger stepson, Chris Orbach, is married but has no children.