Jerry Adler, best known as Hesh Rabkin on The Sopranos, has died at 96. From Broadway stage manager to TV star, his inspiring career spanned seven decades.
Jerry Adler’s Remarkable Journey
Jerry Adler, the beloved actor who played Hesh Rabkin on HBO’s The Sopranos, has passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 96 at his home in New York City.
Born in Brooklyn in 1929, Adler came from a family deeply connected to Jewish and Yiddish theater. His cousin was acting legend Stella Adler, and his father managed the famous Group Theatre in the 1930s.
A Life on Broadway Before the Screen
Before finding fame on television, Adler spent decades behind the curtain on Broadway. He worked as a stage manager, producer, and director on more than 50 productions, including My Fair Lady. Along the way, he collaborated with icons such as Katharine Hepburn, Julie Andrews, Orson Welles, Marlene Dietrich, and Richard Burton.
Despite his success in theater, Adler didn’t start acting until he was in his 60s. Encouraged by friends, he auditioned for Joe Pesci’s The Public Eye and soon transitioned into a full-time acting career.
Becoming Hesh Rabkin on The Sopranos
Television audiences first saw Adler in Northern Exposure before he landed the role that would define his career: Hesh Rabkin, the trusted adviser and friend of Tony Soprano. What was meant to be a small part quickly grew into a recurring role thanks to Adler’s powerful presence and charisma.
Fans of The Sopranos still remember Hesh as one of the most loyal and sharp characters in the groundbreaking series.
Beyond The Sopranos
Adler continued acting well into his 90s. He appeared as Howard Lyman on The Good Wife and had memorable roles in Rescue Me, Transparent, The West Wing, and Broad City. His film credits included Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery and many others.
Even with television success, Adler always returned to the stage. He performed in Elaine May’s Taller Than a Dwarf in 2000 and Larry David’s Fish in the Dark in 2015. “I do it because I really enjoy it,” Adler once said. “I think retirement is a road to nowhere.”
Author, Actor, and Family Man
Adler also wrote a memoir, Too Funny for Words: Backstage Tales from Broadway, Television and the Movies, giving fans a glimpse into his extraordinary journey in entertainment.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Joan Laxman, and his four daughters — Alisa, Amy, Laura, and Emily.
A Legacy That Inspires
Jerry Adler’s career is proof that it’s never too late to chase your passion. Starting as a stage manager and becoming a celebrated actor later in life, he leaves behind a legacy of talent, humor, and dedication that will inspire generations of performers.
May he rest in peace.