Jerry Adler, the veteran actor best known for his role as Herman “Hesh” Rabkin on The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 96. He died peacefully in his sleep at his home in New York City on August 23, 2025. His death marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned over seven decades and bridged both the worlds of theater and television.
Adler was born in Brooklyn in 1929 into a family with deep ties to the performing arts. His father worked in theater production, and his cousin was the legendary acting teacher Stella Adler. Early in his career, Jerry worked behind the scenes in Broadway theater as a stage manager, director, and producer. He contributed to more than 50 productions, including the original My Fair Lady, before shifting to acting in his 60s—a move that would eventually define his public legacy.
His breakout role came when he was cast as Hesh on The Sopranos, where he portrayed a trusted adviser and longtime associate of Tony Soprano. Adler’s portrayal brought depth and gravitas to the character, and he appeared in dozens of episodes throughout the series. His calm, calculated presence on screen made him a memorable and respected figure in the show’s crime-ridden world.
Outside of The Sopranos, Adler also had notable roles in The Good Wife, Transparent, Rescue Me, and Mad About You. He often played wise, sometimes sarcastic, older characters who added a sense of realism and humanity to the shows in which he appeared. Even in guest roles, his performances were impactful, earning him praise from both audiences and peers.
In his later years, Adler penned a memoir reflecting on his unique journey from backstage theater work to onscreen fame. He remained active in the entertainment industry well into his 90s, demonstrating not only a love for acting but also a deep commitment to storytelling. Jerry Adler is remembered not just for his talent, but for the path he carved—showing that it's never too late to find success in a new chapter of life.
Jerry Adler’s life and career were defined by resilience, artistry, and a deep understanding of performance—qualities that made him both a respected colleague and a beloved screen presence. His late entry into acting was unusual but inspiring. At a time when most performers are thinking of retirement, Adler was just beginning a new chapter. What set him apart was his ability to bring a wealth of lived experience and emotional intelligence to every role he played. He didn’t rely on flash or intensity; instead, his acting was marked by restraint, subtlety, and truthfulness.
His portrayal of Hesh Rabkin in The Sopranos left a lasting impact on fans and critics alike. As one of the few non-Italian characters in the mafia circle, Hesh added historical and emotional weight to the storyline. He was a bridge to the past, reminding both Tony and the audience of the mob’s origins, and Adler played him with a quiet dignity that made him feel essential to the show's dynamic. His scenes often involved conversations layered with tension, memory, and wisdom—something Adler delivered effortlessly.
Adler’s work extended far beyond that one iconic role. On The Good Wife, he played Howard Lyman, a humorous, sometimes inappropriate older attorney whose outdated views clashed with the younger lawyers at the firm. It was a very different kind of role, but one he handled with the same commitment. His ability to shift between drama and comedy with ease made him a go-to character actor, especially for roles requiring depth and a certain old-school charm.
Off-camera, Adler was known for being gracious, thoughtful, and deeply dedicated to his craft. His colleagues often described him as a quiet professional—someone who knew the value of listening and who approached each role with preparation and respect. He mentored younger actors not by lecturing, but by example, always showing up ready to work and leaving his ego at the door.
In interviews, Adler often reflected with humility on how lucky he felt to have had a second career so late in life. He never imagined that, after decades backstage, he’d become a familiar face on screens across the country. Yet that unexpected success seemed fitting for someone who never chased fame but earned it through consistency and integrity. His death marks the loss of not only a talented performer but also a figure who represented a deeper connection to the theatrical and television traditions of the past century. His legacy lives on through the performances he gave and the quiet inspiration he offered to those who knew his story.
Jerry Adler’s legacy reaches beyond his performances and into the fabric of American entertainment history. Before becoming a familiar face on television, he built his reputation behind the curtain—directing and managing some of Broadway’s most celebrated productions. His understanding of timing, pacing, and dialogue came not just from studying scripts but from decades of helping bring them to life from backstage. That foundation gave his acting an unusual depth—he approached characters not just as roles to play but as pieces of a larger story being told.
He had a kind of timelessness that made him believable whether he was playing a shrewd mob adviser, a quirky lawyer, or an aging father figure. In Transparent, where he played Moshe Pfefferman, he brought warmth and nuance to a character caught between personal history and generational change. Adler had a gift for finding the humanity in people others might overlook. Even when he played supporting characters, he made them memorable through detail—how they listened, paused, or reacted.
What truly distinguished him was his second act. Many actors find themselves phased out as they grow older, but Jerry Adler’s career showed that age can be an asset in storytelling. He didn’t need leading-man status to make a powerful impression. In an industry that often overlooks older performers, Adler proved that longevity and life experience can be an actor’s greatest strength. He brought history with him into every role—his own and the cultural history of the industry.
Off set, he was a thoughtful and private person who rarely sought the spotlight. He preferred to let his work speak for itself. Those who knew him describe him as disciplined and deeply appreciative of the life he built. He often acknowledged how fortunate he felt to transition from one demanding corner of show business to another, still doing what he loved well into his 90s. He credited his long career to a strong work ethic, curiosity, and a steady refusal to give up on the art form he loved.
Now that he’s gone, Jerry Adler leaves behind not just a résumé, but a story of quiet endurance and graceful reinvention. He showed that it's never too late to start something new, to contribute meaningfully, and to leave an impression without shouting for attention. His body of work stands as a lasting tribute to what it means to build a life in the arts with integrity, patience, and passion.
Subscribe by Email
Follow Updates Articles from This Blog via Email
No Comments