Jerry Adler, renowned for portraying Herman 'Hesh' Rabkin in HBO's iconic series The Sopranos, has died at the impressive age of 96. Adler, who began his acting career well into his 60s, had previously enjoyed a distinguished career in Broadway, collaborating with notable stars such as Julie Andrews, Angela Lansbury, and Richard Burton over more than thirty years.
The actor's family shared with media outlets that he "passed peacefully in his sleep" on Saturday, marking the end of a vibrant life dedicated to the arts. Born in Brooklyn, Adler originally worked behind the scenes as a stage manager, director, and supervisor for over fifty Broadway productions. Notably, he stage-managed the original 1956 production of My Fair Lady featuring a young Julie Andrews and was involved in many significant productions, including Annie and Camelot.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, he began venturing into television, stage-managing events like the Tony Awards. It wasn't until he was preparing for retirement that he received a call from a friend to audition for the film The Public Eye, which jumpstarted his on-screen acting career. This led to appearances in films such as Manhattan Murder Mystery and Getting Away with Murder.
Adler's portrayal of Hesh in The Sopranos solidified his place in television history. He also had recurring roles in CBS's The Good Wife and its spin-off The Good Fight, as well as FX's Rescue Me. Other memorable performances included Rabbi Alan Schulman on Northern Exposure and Mr. Wicker on Mad About You. Despite his extensive television resume, Adler returned to his roots in Broadway with his role in the 2000 play Taller than a Dwarf and later in 2015's Fish in the Dark.
Jerry Adler’s indelible mark on both theater and television will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike, showcasing a life rich in creativity and artistic achievement.
