Jerry Adler, an iconic figure in both theater and television, has died at the age of 96. His fame largely stemmed from his portrayal of Herman 'Hesh' Rabkin in HBO's critically-acclaimed series The Sopranos. Despite facing the camera later in life, he was far from a newcomer to the arts, dedicating over three decades to behind-the-scenes roles in Broadway productions.
Adler's background was steeped in theater. He was born in Brooklyn and participated in over 50 Broadway shows as a stage manager, supervisor, and director. His career began under the guidance of his father, who worked in the industry, and Adler's first major role was in the original 1956 production of My Fair Lady with Julie Andrews. He also played significant roles in productions such as Coco, starring Kathryn Hepburn, and Annie, which debuted in 1977.
His transition to television began in the 1980s and early 90s, where he stage-managed productions, including the prestigious Tony Awards. It wasn't until he approached retirement that his career took a turn toward acting, following a call for a role in the 1992 film The Public Eye. This opportunity marked the beginning of a new chapter, leading to roles in films like Manhattan Murder Mystery and Getting Away with Murder.
However, Adler became a household name through The Sopranos, where he acted as an advisor to James Gandolfini's character, mob boss Tony Soprano. In addition to this role, he appeared in several successful series, such as CBS's The Good Wife and The Good Fight, as well as FX's Rescue Me. His versatile performances also graced shows like Northern Exposure, Mad About You, and iconic appearances in Curb Your Enthusiasm and The West Wing.
Despite the late start to his acting career, Adler returned to Broadway with roles in the 2000 play Taller than a Dwarf and the 2015 production Fish in the Dark, closing the loop on his remarkable career in the world of theater.
Adler's background was steeped in theater. He was born in Brooklyn and participated in over 50 Broadway shows as a stage manager, supervisor, and director. His career began under the guidance of his father, who worked in the industry, and Adler's first major role was in the original 1956 production of My Fair Lady with Julie Andrews. He also played significant roles in productions such as Coco, starring Kathryn Hepburn, and Annie, which debuted in 1977.
His transition to television began in the 1980s and early 90s, where he stage-managed productions, including the prestigious Tony Awards. It wasn't until he approached retirement that his career took a turn toward acting, following a call for a role in the 1992 film The Public Eye. This opportunity marked the beginning of a new chapter, leading to roles in films like Manhattan Murder Mystery and Getting Away with Murder.
However, Adler became a household name through The Sopranos, where he acted as an advisor to James Gandolfini's character, mob boss Tony Soprano. In addition to this role, he appeared in several successful series, such as CBS's The Good Wife and The Good Fight, as well as FX's Rescue Me. His versatile performances also graced shows like Northern Exposure, Mad About You, and iconic appearances in Curb Your Enthusiasm and The West Wing.
Despite the late start to his acting career, Adler returned to Broadway with roles in the 2000 play Taller than a Dwarf and the 2015 production Fish in the Dark, closing the loop on his remarkable career in the world of theater.
