I used to say when I was working in the theater that if I ever had five seasons of a hit TV show I'd never have to worry about money and wouldn't have to do anything I didn't want to do.

Younger son Chris Orbach who is an actor and singer played Lennie Briscoe's nephew Ken Briscoe on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Honors
In addition to his Tony Award and nominations Orbach was named a "Living Landmark" along with fellow Law & Order castmate Sam Waterston by the New York Landmarks Conservancy in 2002. Elder son Tony is a crossword puzzle constructor for The New York Times.

Prominent character roles that he originated include El Gallo in The Fantasticks the longest-running musical play in history; Chuck Baxter in Promises Promises (for which he won a Tony Award); Julian Marsh in 42nd Street; and Billy Flynn in Chicago. Orbach was also a noted musical theatre star.