Len Cariou is an acclaimed Canadian actor and singer best known for his roles in the musicals Sweeney Todd and A Little Night Music and his portrayal of Police Commissioner Edward “Ed” Green on the NBC drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. His career spans over five decades and includes multiple awards, honors, and recognition.
Early Life and Career of Len Cariou
Cariou was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, Canada, in 1939. He was raised in Winnipeg and was a member of the Winnipeg Police Service. His mother, Myrtle, was a school principal and his father, Maurice, was a traveling salesman. He had an older sister, Norma.
Cariou’s career started in the early 1960s when he joined the Manitoba Theatre Company. He appeared in various plays in Canada, the United States, and Britain, including the Royal Shakespeare Company production of The Merry Wives of Windsor. He made his Broadway debut in 1968 in the musical Hair.
Filmography
Cariou’s film career began with a role in the 1975 drama, The Day of the Locust, and he has since appeared in over 40 films. His most notable roles include Jack in the comedy film Annie Hall (1977), George in the comedy-drama The Deer Hunter (1978), and the voice of the villain Judge Claude Frollo in the Disney animated musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996).
Broadway Career of Len Cariou
Cariou returned to Broadway in 1979 to star in the musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He received a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance. He has also starred in the musicals, A Little Night Music (2009); The Visit (2015); and Hello, Dolly! (2017).
Television Career of Len Cariou
Cariou began his television career in 1973 in the Canadian television series, The Beachcombers. He has since appeared in numerous television shows and films, including the title role in the NBC miniseries King David (1985); and as Police Commissioner Edward “Ed” Green in the NBC drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999–2008).
Awards and Nominations
Cariou has earned several awards and nominations, including a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in Sweeney Todd, and two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for his roles in King David and the CBS miniseries, Hallmark Hall of Fame: A Painted House (2003).
Len Cariou’s Personal Life
Cariou has married the costume designer Christine Zander since 1981. They have two children, a daughter, and a son. He currently resides in New York City.
Notable Works
Cariou’s most notable works include his stage performances in the musicals Sweeney Todd and A Little Night Music; and his television roles in shows such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and King David.
Len Cariou’s Legacy
Len Cariou’s legacy is his acclaimed performances in Broadway musicals, films, and television shows. He has received multiple awards, honors, and recognition for his work.
Conclusion
Len Cariou is a Canadian actor and singer whose career spans over five decades. He is best remembered for his roles in the musicals Sweeney Todd and A Little Night Music; and his portrayal of Police Commissioner Edward “Ed” Green on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Throughout his career, he has earned multiple awards and nominations for his performances in films, television shows, and Broadway musicals.
