Jerry Adler, the talented actor best known for his portrayal of Herman 'Hesh' Rabkin in HBO's iconic mob drama The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 96. His family confirmed that he "passed peacefully in his sleep" on Saturday, as reported by various media outlets.
Although Adler is celebrated for his television roles, he initially made a name for himself behind the scenes in the world of Broadway theater. The Brooklyn native began acting later in life, transitioning to this new career as he approached retirement from an extensive tenure in theater management and production. Throughout his more than 30 years in the industry, he collaborated with luminaries such as Julie Andrews, Angela Lansbury, and Richard Burton.
Adler’s journey in theater started when he was offered his first job by his father, who, also involved in the industry, inspired his son to immerse himself in theatrical work while in college. Among his many significant contributions, Adler served as stage manager for the original 1956 production of My Fair Lady with a young Julie Andrews and was involved in the original staging of the beloved musical Annie in 1977.
Although Adler's career in television began in the 1980s with stage management for several Tony Award productions, his foray into acting did not occur until he was contacted by a friend to audition for the 1992 film The Public Eye, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
In addition to his breakout role in The Sopranos, Adler enjoyed recurring roles in CBS’s The Good Wife and its spin-off The Good Fight, as well as FX's Rescue Me. He made memorable appearances in prominent shows like Northern Exposure and NBC’s Mad About You, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.
Adler’s remarkable career returned to Broadway in 2000, reminding audiences of his theatrical roots, and in 2015, he starred in Fish in the Dark, completing a remarkable journey from behind the curtain to the center stage. His contributions to both theater and television will be fondly remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
Although Adler is celebrated for his television roles, he initially made a name for himself behind the scenes in the world of Broadway theater. The Brooklyn native began acting later in life, transitioning to this new career as he approached retirement from an extensive tenure in theater management and production. Throughout his more than 30 years in the industry, he collaborated with luminaries such as Julie Andrews, Angela Lansbury, and Richard Burton.
Adler’s journey in theater started when he was offered his first job by his father, who, also involved in the industry, inspired his son to immerse himself in theatrical work while in college. Among his many significant contributions, Adler served as stage manager for the original 1956 production of My Fair Lady with a young Julie Andrews and was involved in the original staging of the beloved musical Annie in 1977.
Although Adler's career in television began in the 1980s with stage management for several Tony Award productions, his foray into acting did not occur until he was contacted by a friend to audition for the 1992 film The Public Eye, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
In addition to his breakout role in The Sopranos, Adler enjoyed recurring roles in CBS’s The Good Wife and its spin-off The Good Fight, as well as FX's Rescue Me. He made memorable appearances in prominent shows like Northern Exposure and NBC’s Mad About You, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.
Adler’s remarkable career returned to Broadway in 2000, reminding audiences of his theatrical roots, and in 2015, he starred in Fish in the Dark, completing a remarkable journey from behind the curtain to the center stage. His contributions to both theater and television will be fondly remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
