Joanna Merlin
Acting
Born: 1931-07-16 · Chicago, Illinois, USA
Died: 2023-10-15
Biography
Joanna Merlin (born Joann Ratner; July 15, 1931) was an American actress and casting director who has worked with Stephen Sondheim and starred in the original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof. She has written two acting guides and is a faculty member of New York University's graduate acting program. In recent years, she has become known for her recurring role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as Judge Lena Petrovsky. Joann Ratner, who later took her mother's maiden name, was born i
🎬 Movies (20)
Active Adults
2017
Miriam
Sarah's Key
2010
Mrs. Rainsferd
The Wackness
2008
Grandma Shapiro
The Invasion
2007
Joan Kaufman
The Jimmy Show
2002
Emily
Witness Protection
1999
Cindy's Mother
City of Angels
1998
Teresa
The Prosecutors
1996
Jewel
MURDER and murder
1996
Doris
Two Bits
1995
Guendolina
Mr. Wonderful
1993
Loretta
Love, Honor & Obey: The Last Mafia Marriage
1993
Rose Profaci
Class Action
1991
Estelle Ward
Murder in Black and White
1990
Dr. Bromberg
Mystic Pizza
1988
Mrs. Arujo
Prince of Darkness
1987
Bag Lady
The Killing Fields
1984
Schanberg's Sister
Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number
1983
Baby It's You
1983
Mrs. Rosen
Love Child
1982
Mrs. Sturgis
📺 TV Shows (15)
Homeland
2011
Grandma
The Good Wife
2009
Loni Goslin
The Jury
2004
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
1999
Lena Petrovsky
New York Undercover
1994
In a Child's Name
1991
Frances Silvano
Baby Talk
1991
Gina
Law & Order
1990
Deirdre Powell
Law & Order
1990
Defense Attorney Carla Bowman
Northern Exposure
1990
Nadine Fleischman
American Experience
1988
Family Member (voice)
L.A. Law
1986
Ellen Kennedy
Amazing Stories
1985
Marie
Another World
1964
Naked City
1958
Gloria Werminski