Jerry Adler, the beloved character actor best remembered as Herman “Hesh” Rabkin on The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 96.
Adler died peacefully in his sleep at his New York City home on Saturday, his family’s representative confirmed to Entertainment Weekly.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and friends. Michael Imperioli, Adler’s Sopranos co-star, wrote:
“JERRY ADLER (1929–2025) was a wonderful actor and one of the kindest people I’ve known. He brought wit, intelligence, and honesty to Hesh and made him one of my favorite characters on The Sopranos. Working and spending time with Jerry was a joy. He was a true class act. Sending love to his family.”
Robert King, co-creator of The Good Wife, also remembered Adler fondly. “We only intended to have him for one episode, but he was so hilarious in a diner scene—shouting, ‘I said ice cream, you stupid b—-’—that we kept him for six seasons of The Good Wife and three of The Good Fight. He became one of our most treasured collaborators.”
Longtime friend Frank J. Reilly shared heartfelt words on X, calling Adler “a great actor and my friend,” noting that his career was all the more remarkable because he didn’t begin acting until the age of 65.
Though a latecomer to acting, Adler had already lived a rich career behind the scenes. Born February 4, 1929, in Brooklyn, he studied at Syracuse University before leaving to work in theater, where his father was connected to the Group Theater. Starting as an assistant stage manager, Adler went on to work on iconic Broadway productions, including My Fair Lady (1956) with Julie Andrews, The Apple Tree (1966) directed by Mike Nichols, and Harold Pinter’s The Homecoming (1967). He collaborated with legendary figures such as Arthur Miller, Katharine Hepburn, Orson Welles, Marlene Dietrich, and Angela Lansbury. Over his decades-long career, he contributed to more than 50 Broadway shows and even directed a few himself.
At 65, just as he thought he might retire, Adler began acting onscreen. His first role was in Brooklyn Bridge, and he soon appeared in series like Mad About You, Northern Exposure, and One Life to Live. His breakthrough came in 1999 when David Chase cast him as Hesh on The Sopranos, where he remained a fixture for six seasons.
Adler later portrayed Bob Saget’s father on Raising Dad and the sharp-tongued lawyer Howard Lyman on The Good Wife. He also appeared in films such as The Public Eye (1992), Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993), A Most Violent Year (2014), and Driveways (2019).
Reflecting on his career in 2017, Adler remarked: “You spend your whole life backstage, where no one knows your name. Then you do one TV show, and suddenly you’re recognized everywhere. It’s strange, but wonderful.”
Jerry Adler leaves behind his four daughters, countless unforgettable performances, and a legacy that will long outlive him.
