John Ritter’s iconic role on the classic sitcom Three’s Company brought plenty of memorable moments, not least of which were the characters who served as foils to Jack Tripper. One such figure was Frank Angelino, portrayed by actor Jordan Charney across 13 episodes. Now, as tends to happen in Hollywood—especially for working actors based in L.A.—a recurring role on a hit show like ABC’s cheeky, double-entendre-filled comedy could really open doors. And sure enough, after his time alongside John Ritter, Charney began landing more attention from casting directors around town.
This newfound visibility led to a string of recurring appearances on popular series. He showed up on Falcon Crest, then later made impressions on Santa Barbara and Dynasty. But perhaps one of the most interesting chapters in Charney’s career came through his connection with Dick Wolf’s Law & Order. Over several years—from 2000 to 2006—he stepped into the role of Judge Donald Karan multiple times. It wasn’t a continuous arc, mind you, but rather a sporadic return that highlighted how thoughtfully the Law & Order franchise utilized reliable character actors. John Ritter may have anchored a comedy about misunderstandings and mistaken identities, but Charney carved out a niche playing figures of authority in some of TV’s most serious courtroom dramas.
And speaking of courtrooms, Charney didn’t stop there. He also took on a judicial role in Sidney Lumet’s gritty 2001 A&E series 100 Centre Street, appearing in five episodes. So while John Ritter’s legacy lives on through laughter and slapstick timing, it’s worth noting how one supporting player from that era—Jordan Charney—used that momentum to build a diverse and quietly impressive resume across decades of television.
When it comes to Jordan Charney’s filmography, one standout in terms of critical acclaim is The Hospital from 1971—it’s widely regarded as Jordan Charney’s highest rated movie. Over the course of his career, he’s appeared in a variety of roles, but this particular film really shines in terms of reception. On the other end of the spectrum, Jordan Charney’s lowest rated movie tends to be Frances, released in 1982. While the film itself had its merits, especially in storytelling and performances by others, Jordan Charney’s role in it didn’t quite resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. So, if you’re looking at the range of Jordan Charney’s work, these two films mark the high and low points in terms of ratings. It’s interesting how Jordan Charney’s contributions span different eras and genres, yet some projects naturally stand out more than others.