Jerry Adler, the veteran actor best known for his role as Herman “Hesh” Rabkin in The Sopranos, has died at the age of 96. His family confirmed that he passed away in New York on Saturday. Representatives told the Associated Press that he died peacefully in his sleep. This marks the sad moment when Jerry Adler dies at 96.
From Broadway to Television Fame
Before becoming a familiar face on screen, Adler spent more than four decades working behind the scenes on Broadway. He stage-managed and supervised over 50 productions, including the original My Fair Lady in 1956 with Julie Andrews and the 1977 hit Annie. Adler also worked on Coco with Katharine Hepburn and Camelot starring Richard Burton.
In his early 60s, as he was preparing to retire, Adler unexpectedly shifted to acting. His first television role came in 1991 on Brooklyn Bridge. Soon after, he appeared in films such as The Public Eye (1992), Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993), and Getting Away With Murder (1996).
Breakthrough with The Sopranos
Adler’s big break came in 1999 when he joined HBO’s acclaimed series The Sopranos. He played Hesh Rabkin, a trusted advisor and longtime friend of the Soprano family. His character, both sharp and loyal, was one of the few who could speak openly with mob boss Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini. Adler appeared in the show from its pilot through its final season in 2007.
Co-stars paid tribute to him, with Michael Imperioli praising Adler as “a fantastic actor and the kindest of human beings,” while Steven Van Zandt wrote: “Such an honour working with you. Travel well my friend.” The news that Jerry Adler dies at 96 has deeply affected many who worked with him.
Later Career Highlights
After The Sopranos, Adler continued to make his mark on television. He played Howard Lyman, a blustery law partner, in The Good Wife and later reprised the role in The Good Fight. He also appeared in FX’s Rescue Me as fire chief Sidney Feinberg, and guest-starred in shows like Northern Exposure, Mad About You, Transparent and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Adler returned to Broadway as an actor, appearing in Taller Than a Dwarf in 2000 and Fish in the Dark in 2015. His final screen credit came in 2019’s revival of Mad About You. In 2024, he published a memoir, Too Funny for Words: Backstage Tales From Broadway, Television, and the Movies.
A Lasting Legacy
Born in Brooklyn in 1929, Adler’s career spanned seven decades across theatre, film, and television. He is survived by his wife, Joan Laxman, and his daughters Alisa, Amy, Laura, and Emily.
Jerry Adler’s unusual path from Broadway stage manager to beloved TV actor made him a unique figure in American entertainment. His work in The Sopranos and The Good Wife leaves behind a lasting legacy.
