Joanna Merlin

Joanna Merlin (born Joann Ratner; July 15, 1931) is an American actress and casting director. She gained recognition for her role in the original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof. Merlin has worked closely with Stephen Sondheim and has written two acting guides. She is a faculty member of New York University's graduate acting program. In recent years, Merlin has been known for her recurring role as Judge Lena Petrovsky on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Merlin began acting at a young age and later studied under Michael Chekhov. She is also related to Harriet Glickman, who helped persuade Charles Schulz to add a black character to his Peanuts strip.