Actor Jerry Adler, famed for his role as Herman 'Hesh' Rabkin in HBO's hit series The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 96. His family confirmed that he "passed peacefully in his sleep" earlier this weekend, as reported by outlets like the Associated Press and Fox News.
Adler's journey into acting began later in life, during his early 60s, as he was nearing retirement from a distinguished Broadway career. Prior to his on-screen success, he spent over three decades working behind the scenes in the theatre world, managing productions for famous stars, including Julie Andrews and Angela Lansbury.
Born in Brooklyn, Adler's first venture into theater came through a connection with his father, also involved in the industry; he got his start in stage management during university. His impressive credits included stage managing the original 1956 production of My Fair Lady, which featured a young Julie Andrews, as well as the 1969 musical Coco, with Kathryn Hepburn.
As he transitioned to television, Adler stage-managed various shows, including several editions of the Tony Awards. However, it was a friend’s call regarding casting for the 1992 film The Public Eye that propelled him into the world of acting.
With roles in notable films like Manhattan Murder Mystery and Getting Away with Murder, Adler finally became a household name through The Sopranos, where he portrayed a trusted advisor to mob boss Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini. His impressive television portfolio continued with roles in CBS’s The Good Wife and the spin-off The Good Fight, alongside FX’s Rescue Me.
Additionally, Adler's versatile performances allowed him to appear as Rabbi Alan Schulman in CBS's Northern Exposure and as Mr. Wicker in NBC's Mad About You, along with guest roles in iconic series including Curb Your Enthusiasm and The West Wing.
After returning to the stage as an actor in the 2000 play Taller than a Dwarf, Adler concluded his career full circle with a performance in 2015's Fish in the Dark. His contributions to both theatre and television will be remembered fondly by audiences and colleagues alike.
