Quick Read
- Jerry Adler, a veteran actor known for his role as Hesh Rabkin in ‘The Sopranos,’ has passed away at 96.
- Adler began his career backstage in Broadway before transitioning to acting in his 60s.
- He appeared in numerous TV series, including ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Rescue Me,’ and films like ‘Driveways.’
- Adler’s career highlights include over 50 Broadway productions and collaborations with legends like Katharine Hepburn and Julie Andrews.
- Fans and colleagues remember him as a late-blooming talent who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Jerry Adler, an iconic figure in both the world of theater and television, passed away on August 24, 2025, at the age of 96. Best remembered for his portrayal of Hesh Rabkin, a consigliere to Tony Soprano in HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Sopranos, Adler’s journey to fame was as unconventional as it was inspiring. Born on February 4, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, Adler’s career began behind the scenes of Broadway before he transitioned to acting in his 60s, a move that would redefine his legacy.
Early Life and Broadway Beginnings
Adler’s introduction to the world of performance art was deeply rooted in family connections. His father, Philip Adler, was the general manager of New York City’s prestigious Group Theatre. As a young man, Adler cut his teeth as an assistant stage manager on the production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1950. In an interview with TheaterMania, he once described himself as “a creature of nepotism,” humorously recounting how he skipped classes at Syracuse University to join his father’s production team.
Over the years, Adler worked on more than 50 Broadway shows, including the original 1956 production of My Fair Lady, starring a then-19-year-old Julie Andrews, and Harold Pinter’s The Homecoming. As a stage manager, he collaborated with legends such as Katharine Hepburn, Arthur Miller, and Orson Welles. Despite his backstage prominence, Adler remained largely unknown to the public, a fact he found ironic later in life when his on-screen roles brought him widespread recognition.
A Late Start in Acting
Adler’s transition to acting came unexpectedly in the early 1990s. After decades of working behind the scenes, he decided to retire from production work. However, fate had other plans. His first acting role came in a 1991 episode of CBS’s sitcom Brooklyn Bridge, and soon after, he appeared in the Joe Pesci film The Public Eye in 1992. Speaking to Deadline, Adler remarked, “I never entertained the idea of acting, but it became an interesting chapter when I was ready to retire.”
His acting career took off quickly, and Adler became a familiar face on television. In addition to his role in The Sopranos, Adler played Howard Lyman, a boorish law partner, in CBS’s The Good Wife and its spin-off The Good Fight. He also portrayed Sidney Feinberg, a New York Fire Department deputy chief, in FX’s Rescue Me. Adler’s comedic talent shone in roles such as the handyman Mr. Wicker in Mad About You and as a Holocaust survivor in Comedy Central’s Broad City.
Defining Role: Hesh Rabkin in The Sopranos
Adler’s portrayal of Herman “Hesh” Rabkin in The Sopranos was arguably his most iconic role. As a Jewish consigliere to mob boss Tony Soprano, Adler brought depth and wisdom to the character, serving as a moral compass in the tumultuous world of organized crime. Fans and critics alike praised his performance, which added complexity to the show’s exploration of loyalty, power, and identity. “Walking down the street, people would yell, ‘Hey, Hesh!’ It was surreal after spending decades backstage in anonymity,” Adler told The Hollywood Reporter in a 2017 interview.
Adler’s connection to the role was more than just professional. As a Brooklyn native and a member of a Jewish family, he infused authenticity into his portrayal, making Hesh Rabkin one of the most memorable characters in television history.
Legacy and Tributes
Adler’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues. His friend Frank J. Reilly shared on social media platform X, “The great actor, my friend Jerry Adler, died today at the age of 96. Not bad for a guy who didn’t start acting until he was 65.” Adler’s story resonates as a testament to the power of reinvention and the value of perseverance.
In addition to his on-screen and on-stage achievements, Adler’s contributions to the arts extended to mentoring younger talent and sharing his wealth of experience. His wife, psychologist Joan Laxman, whom he married in 1994, survives him. Reflecting on his career, Adler once said, “You spend your whole career backstage, and nobody knows who you are. Then you do a television show, and suddenly everyone knows your face. It’s so weird.”
Jerry Adler’s life and career were a celebration of the arts, demonstrating that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passion and leave an indelible mark on the world.