NBC plans series despite Orbach's death

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- The death of star Jerry Orbach has not changed NBC's plans to introduce the new series "Law & Order: Trial by Jury," says the Hollywood Reporter.

The 69-year-old veteran of stage, TV and film died Tuesday at New York's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center where he was being treated for prostate cancer.

A spokeswoman for the show confirmed episodes already taped with Orbach will air in the upcoming midseason.

"The producers are deeply saddened," the spokesman's statement said. "While Jerry is irreplaceable, 'Law & Order: Trial by Jury' is an ensemble and will continue in production. A new member will join the company. Announcements will be forthcoming."

Orbach's character, Detective Lennie Briscoe, will be replaced by a new character, but NBC declined comment on who might be tapped for the role.