Jerry Adler, the beloved actor known for his portrayal of Herman 'Hesh' Rabkin in HBO's iconic series The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 96. The news was confirmed by his family, stating he "passed peacefully in his sleep" on Saturday, as reported by outlets including the Associated Press and Fox News.
Despite reaching widespread fame later in life, Adler was a seasoned figure in theater, having established an impressive behind-the-scenes career on Broadway. His journey began when he was given a job by his father, who worked in theater; Adler eventually dedicated more than 30 years to the stage, working with legendary figures such as Julie Andrews, Angela Lansbury, and Richard Burton.
Born in Brooklyn, Adler's theatrical accomplishments included stage managing the original production of My Fair Lady in 1956, and overseeing other productions like the musical Annie in 1977 and the play Camelot in 1980, featuring Richard Burton. Though he contributed to the entertainment industry for decades primarily as a stage manager, it wasn't until he reached his 60s that he favored acting, a decision sparked by a casting call for the 1992 film The Public Eye.
Adler's acting career flourished with roles in films such as Manhattan Murder Mystery in 1993 and Getting Away with Murder in 1996. However, it was his nuanced performance in The Sopranos that earned him critical acclaim, where he played a trusted advisor to mob boss Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini.
Beyond The Sopranos, Adler featured in recurring roles in notable series including CBS's The Good Wife and its spin-off The Good Fight, and FX's Rescue Me as fire chief Sidney Feinberg. He also appeared in standout shows such as Northern Exposure, Mad About You, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The West Wing.
Adler made his way back to Broadway as an actor in the play Taller than a Dwarf in 2000 and appeared in Larry David's Fish in the Dark in 2015, completing a full circle in his illustrious career. His contributions to theater and television have had an enduring impact on audiences and the industry alike.
