Renowned casting director and actor Joanna Merlin has died at the age of 92. The Graduate Acting program at NYU, where Ms. Merlin was a faculty member, shared this news on Instagram. She has been teaching there since 1998.
The post read, “Joanna was an actress, master Chekhov teacher, and former casting director for Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Bernardo Bertolucci, and James Ivory. Joanna will be deeply missed at Grad Acting, by the Chekhov community, and by the many people she touched through her artistry.”
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Cause of death-
As of now, the precise cause of her death has not been revealed by
Age-
Joanna Merlin was born on July 15, 1931. She died at the age of 92.
Net worth-
As per media reports, As of October 2023, Joanna Merlin’s net worth is projected to reach approximately $1 million. Based on her successful career as an actress, casting director, and author, this estimate has been made.
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Career-
Joanna Merlin was a famous actor and also a well-known casting director. Her portrayal as Tzeitel in the original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof was her most well-known role. She was also recognized for playing a crucial part in casting Broadway musicals that have endured the longest, like Company, Follies, and Sweeney Todd.
When Merlin landed the role of Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof in 1964, it was her big break. Both critical and economic success were attained by the musical, and critics praised Merlin’s performance highly.
Merlin began working as a casting director in 1966, following in the footsteps of Broadway producer Harold Prince. Her keen sense of casting helped shape the casts of Broadway’s greatest musicals, including Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd, and Merrily We Roll Along.
Husband-
In 1950, Joanna Merlin wed Martin Paul Lubner for the first time. But their marriage failed, and they were divorced in 1955. She married David Dretzin for the second time in 1965.
Children-
She had a daughter with David Dretzin, Julie Dretzin. Julie Dretzin is also an actor by profession.
