Jerry Adler dies at 96

Jerry Adler, a longtime theater director and late blooming actor who played Hesh on The Sopranos, has died at age 96.

Jerry Adler Dies at 96 Remembered for The Sopranos and a Rich Stage Career

Jerry Adler was born in New York City in 1929 and spent decades behind the scenes in Broadway theater. He worked as a stage manager on My Fair Lady and later directed productions, building a reputation for discipline and warmth.

In the 1990s and 2000s, he moved into screen acting, bringing the same craft to TV and film. He is best known for portraying Herman Hesh Rabkin on The Sopranos, a careful adviser to Tony Soprano, and he appeared in Rescue Me, The Good Wife, and other series before concluding with guest spots on later shows. His death was reported after a friend posted on social media, reflecting a life spent shaping both stages and screens.

Adler’s career shows how stage work can shape screen craft. His timing, voice, and expressiveness grew on Broadway and in touring productions. He found a late but meaningful second act as a television character actor, a role often overlooked but essential to texture.

His passing invites reflection on aging in Hollywood. While stars rise early, many actors build a rich career over decades in smaller parts, shaping beloved shows. Adler’s life reminds us that patience and steady work can leave a lasting imprint on both audiences and peers.

Highlights

A life in theater informs television, proving that craft can outpace youth.