Doris Belack was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “One Life to Live,” “Law & Order,” and the film “Tootsie.” Born on February 26, 1926, in Manhattan, New York City, she left a significant mark in the world of television and film until her passing on October 4, 2011.
Personal and Family Life
Doris Belack was of Russian Jewish descent and had one older sister. She was married to Philip Rose from 1946 until his death in 2011. Throughout her life, she maintained a consistent hairstyle, visiting the same hairdresser who styled her hair the same way every time.
Career
Doris began her acting career as an audio reader and contributed her voice to the 1955 album “Poetry of the Negro” alongside Sidney Poitier. She gained popularity on television, most notably for her role as Anna Wolek in the soap opera “One Life to Live” and as Judge Margaret Barry in “Law & Order.” Additionally, she appeared in several comedies such as “The Golden Girls” and “Barney Miller.”
Death and Legacy
Doris Belack passed away on October 4, 2011, due to cervical cancer. After her death, she was cremated, and her ashes were given to a surviving cousin in Flushing, New York. Belack is remembered for her significant contributions to television and film throughout her extensive career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Prime | 2005-09-21 | Blanche |
| batteries not included | 1987-12-18 | Mrs. Thompson |
| Fail Safe | 2000-04-09 | Mrs. Johnson |
| Tootsie | 1982-12-17 | Rita |
| Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult | 1994-03-18 | Dr. Roberts |
| She-Devil | 1989-12-08 | Paula |
| What About Bob? | 1991-05-17 | Dr. Catherine Tomsky |
| Law & Order | 1990-09-13 | Judge Margaret Barry |
| The Golden Girls | 1985-09-14 | Gloria |
| Everwood | 2002-09-16 | Ruth Hoffman |
| Touched by an Angel | 1994-09-21 | Elaine Weiss |