Jerry Adler, a renowned actor best remembered for his portrayal of the astute advisor Herman 'Hesh' Rabkin in the acclaimed TV series "The Sopranos," has passed away at the age of 96. Although his fame blossomed on the small screen, Adler's acting journey began only in his early 60s, just as he was about to bid adieu to a storied career behind the scenes on Broadway.
This theater veteran, who shared the stage with luminaries such as Julie Andrews, Angela Lansbury, and Richard Burton over the course of more than three decades, left an indelible mark on the industry. According to representatives speaking on behalf of his family, the Brooklyn-born actor "passed peacefully in his sleep" on Saturday, as reported by the Associated Press and Fox News.
Adler's illustrious behind-the-scenes career spanned over 50 Broadway productions, where he served as a stage manager, supervisor, and director. His journey in the theater began when his father, who was already established in the industry, offered him his first job while he was still in university. He stage-managed the original 1956 production of "My Fair Lady," featuring the then-budding star Julie Andrews at just 20 years old, and the 1969 production of "Coco," where Kathryn Hepburn portrayed the founder of the fashion house Chanel. He went on to supervise the original runs of beloved musicals like "Annie" in 1977 and the play "Camelot" in 1980, starring Richard Burton.
It wasn't until the 1980s and early '90s that Adler ventured into the world of television, stage-managing several productions, including the Tony Awards. However, it was only when he was preparing to retire that he took his first steps into the limelight as an actor, following a phone call from a friend casting him in the 1992 film "The Public Eye." This marked the beginning of his film career, which included roles in "Manhattan Murder Mystery" in 1993 and "Getting Away with Murder" in 1996.
But it was his role as Herman 'Hesh' Rabkin in HBO's critically acclaimed series "The Sopranos" that brought him widespread fame. As the advisor to James Gandolfini's mob boss Tony and an old friend of his father, Adler delivered a performance that resonated deeply with audiences. He later reprised his talent in recurring roles as the boorish law partner Howard Lyman in CBS's "The Good Wife" and its spin-off "The Good Fight," and as New York fire station chief Sidney Feinberg in FX's "Rescue Me."
Among his other notable roles were Rabbi Alan Schulman on CBS's "Northern Exposure" and the handyman Mr. Wicker on NBC's "Mad About You." He also made memorable one-off appearances in iconic American shows such as "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "The West Wing."
Adler's full-circle career saw him return to Broadway as an actor, first in the 2000 play "Taller than a Dwarf" and then in the 2015 production of "Fish in the Dark." His life and legacy serve as a testament to the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to follow their passions, regardless of when they begin their journey.
