Jerry Adler, Beloved Character Actor of ‘The Sopranos‘ and broadway Veteran, Dies at 94
Jerry Adler, a character actor whose late-blooming career blossomed with a memorable portrayal of Hesh Rabkin on HBO’s “The Sopranos” and spanned decades on Broadway, has died. He was 94. Adler passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 7, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and a warmth remembered by colleagues and fans alike.
His journey was anything but typical. Unlike many actors who find early fame, Adler’s breakthrough came after a lifetime spent behind the scenes, shaping the world of theater.
from Stagehand to Screen Icon
Born in Brooklyn on February 4,1929,Adler began his career in 1950 as an assistant stage manager on “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” For over 40 years, he meticulously honed his skills, working as a stage manager, production manager, or supervisor on more than 50 Broadway productions.
These included iconic shows like the original “My Fair Lady,” Harold Pinter’s “The Homecoming,” and “The Apple Tree,” directed by the legendary Mike Nichols. He even directed productions himself, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the theatrical process.
A Late-Life Transition to Acting
In the 1980s, Adler relocated to Los Angeles to be closer to his family.He found consistent work in daytime television as a stage manager. Though,it wasn’t until his early 60s that he began to pursue acting.
His on-screen debut came in 1991 with a role on CBS’ “Brooklyn Bridge.” This opened doors to a steady stream of film and television work throughout the 1990s, including appearances in “The Public Eye” (1992) with Joe Pesci and Woody Allen’s “Manhattan Murder Mystery” (1993).
Hesh Rabkin: A ‘sopranos’ Standout
But it was his role as Herman “Hesh” rabkin in “the Sopranos” that truly cemented Adler’s place in television history. He joined the groundbreaking series in it’s second season and quickly became a fan favorite.
Hesh was a complex character – a seasoned mob associate with a long history with Tony Soprano. You likely remember him for:
His involvement in tony’s various schemes, including a horse-racing venture.
His mentorship of Christopher Moltisanti and his attempts to help Christopher and Adriana navigate the music industry.
His ultimately strained relationship with Tony over a significant loan.
Adler brought a quiet dignity and understated menace to the role,making Hesh both sympathetic and intimidating.
Beyond ‘The Sopranos’: Continued Success
“The Sopranos” launched Adler to wider recognition, but he didn’t stop there. He continued to work steadily, demonstrating remarkable versatility.
Notable roles included:
Howard Lyman on “The Good Wife”: What began as a one-off guest spot evolved into a recurring role across six seasons, and even continued in the spin-off, “The Good Fight.”
Fire Chief Sidney Feinberg on FX’s “Rescue me.”
Appearances in series like “Northern Exposure,” “Mad About You,” “Obvious,” and “Broad City.”
* Film credits including “In Her Shoes” (2005), “Synecdoche, New York” (2008), and “A Most Violent Year” (2014).
He even returned to his roots on Broadway, appearing in Elaine May’s 2000 comedy “Taller Than a Dwarf” and Larry David’s “Fish in the Dark” in 2015. His final screen credit was in the 2019 revival of “Mad About You.”
A Legacy of Storytelling
In 2024, Adler shared his remarkable life story in his memoir, “Too Funny for Words: Backstage Tales From Broadway, Television, and the Movies.” Its a testament to a career built on dedication, perseverance, and a deep love for the art of storytelling.
Fellow actors were quick to pay tribute. Steven Van Zandt, Adler’