Jerry Adler, the esteemed actor famous for his role as Herman 'Hesh' Rabkin in HBO's groundbreaking series "The Sopranos," has died at the age of 96. His family confirmed that Adler passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, according to reports from the Associated Press and Fox News.
Before he became a household name on television, Adler enjoyed a prolific career behind the scenes in the theater realm, where he worked with iconic figures like Julie Andrews and Angela Lansbury. Initially entering the field as a stage manager, Adler's rich history spanned over 30 years, during which he collaborated on more than 50 Broadway productions.
Born in Brooklyn, Adler began his theatrical journey while attending university, thanks to an early job offer from his father, also a theater professional. Adler stage-managed memorable productions, such as the original 1956 Broadway premiere of "My Fair Lady" featuring a young Julie Andrews, as well as "Coco," starring Katharine Hepburn in 1969.
Although he initially gravitated towards behind-the-scenes roles, Adler's entrance into acting occurred later in life when a friend's call led him to an opportunity in the 1992 film "The Public Eye." This marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he transitioned to television and film, appearing in notable works such as "Manhattan Murder Mystery" and "Getting Away with Murder."
However, it was his portrayal of Hesh Rabkin in "The Sopranos," where he provided guidance to the main character, Tony Soprano, that catapulted Adler to fame. Following this success, he took on additional recurring television roles in series like "The Good Wife," "The Good Fight," and "Rescue Me."
Adler's versatility allowed him to play a range of memorable characters, including Rabbi Alan Schulman in "Northern Exposure" and Mr. Wicker in "Mad About You," along with guest appearances on esteemed shows such as "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "The West Wing."
He eventually returned to the stage as an actor, demonstrating his resilience and passion for his craft in "Taller Than a Dwarf" in 2000 and "Fish in the Dark" in 2015, completing a remarkable full circle in his artistic journey.
