Jerry Adler, a celebrated actor known for his remarkable roles in popular series such as The Sopranos, The Good Wife, and Rescue Me, has passed away at the age of 96. The news of his death was confirmed by his dear friend, Frank J. Reilly, who took to social media platform X to share this heartfelt message: “The great actor, my friend Jerry Adler died today at the age of 96. You know him from one of his iconic roles and many guest appearances. Not bad for a guy who didn’t start acting until he was 65.”
In HBO’s groundbreaking series The Sopranos, Jerry Adler is best remembered for his portrayal of Hesh Rabkin, a Jewish confidant of the infamous mafia boss Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini. Hesh's wisdom and insight provided crucial support to Tony throughout the series. In stark contrast, Adler showcased his versatility by playing the brash law partner Howard Lyman in both The Good Wife and its spin-off, The Good Fight. Additionally, he made a significant impact as Sidney Feinberg, a deputy chief of the New York Fire Department, in the acclaimed drama Rescue Me.
Born on February 4, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, Jerry Adler's journey into the world of acting began surprisingly late. Despite being related to renowned acting coach Stella Adler, he did not embark on his acting career until he was in his 60s. His entry into the theater scene can be traced back to 1950, thanks to his father, who was the general manager of New York City's prestigious Group Theatre. While assisting on a production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Adler humorously referred to himself as a "creature of nepotism," admitting that he skipped classes at Syracuse University to work as the assistant stage manager.
Reflecting on his unexpected rise to recognition, Adler once shared his thoughts with TheaterMania in a 2015 interview, saying, “Having done so many shows on Broadway backstage in the dark, to be recognized now is so weird and something that you never expected. When I walk down the street now, it’s like ‘Hey, Hesh!’” This sentiment underscores the unique journey of a man who dedicated countless hours backstage before stepping into the spotlight.
Jerry Adler’s contributions to theater were extensive and noteworthy. He participated in over 50 Broadway productions, including serving as the stage manager for the original 1956 production of My Fair Lady, which starred a then-19-year-old Julie Andrews. Beyond stage management, Adler also directed multiple Broadway shows, showcasing his multifaceted talent in the theater industry.
Transitioning from behind-the-scenes work, Jerry Adler made a significant shift to acting in the early 1990s, leading to a prolific television career. His impressive list of credits includes appearances in notable series such as Quantum Leap, Northern Exposure, Hudson Street, Raising Dad, The West Wing, Mad About You, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Transparent, and Broad City.
Jerry Adler's story is one of perseverance and passion, reminding us that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. His legacy as a talented actor and a dedicated theater professional will continue to inspire future generations in the performing arts.
