Jerry Adler, renowned for his role as a mobster’s confidant on the acclaimed HBO series “The Sopranos,” passed away on Saturday at the age of 96. This news was confirmed in an obituary released by the Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York, although specific details surrounding Adler’s death were not disclosed. His close friend, Frank J. Reilly, shared the heart-wrenching news on social media, highlighting Adler’s remarkable journey in the entertainment industry. “You know him from one of his iconic roles and from many of his guest appearances,” Reilly wrote. “Not bad for a guy who didn’t start acting until he was 65.”
Born into a theatrical family, Jerry Adler was the son of Phil Adler, a manager of the Group Theatre, and the nephew of actor Jacob Pavlovich Adler. In an interview with the Southern New England Jewish Ledger in 2014, Adler reflected on his theatrical upbringing and the significant influence it had on his career. Before stepping onto the screen, he made notable contributions behind the scenes as a stage manager for the original 1956 production of “My Fair Lady,” which starred Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison. His extensive experience in theater included working on major Broadway shows like “Annie,” “Marlene Dietrich,” and “We Interrupt This Program...”, where he served as a production supervisor and director.
Adler didn’t receive his first official acting credit until 1991, when he appeared in an episode of “Brooklyn Bridge.” Following this, he made guest appearances on popular television series such as “Quantum Leap” and “Law & Order,” and took on leading roles in shows like “Hudson Street.” However, it was his portrayal of Hesh Rabkin on “The Sopranos” that solidified his place in television history. As a confidant to the troubled New Jersey mafia boss, Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini, Adler’s character served as a loan shark who offered wisdom to the younger members of the mafia.
Following his passing, tributes from fellow actors and fans began to flood social media. Michael Imperioli, who starred alongside Adler in “The Sopranos,” paid tribute to his late co-star on Instagram, calling Adler “a true class act.” Imperioli expressed his fondness for Adler, describing him as “one of my favorite characters on The Sopranos.” Adler's contributions to other notable series, such as “Broad City,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “Transparent,” further showcased his versatility as an actor. He was also a recurring guest on the legal procedural “The Good Wife,” where co-creator Robert King reminisced about Adler's memorable role as Howard Lyman.
What began as a single episode for Adler on “The Good Wife” turned into a significant run of 30 episodes, showcasing his comedic talent in a memorable diner scene. Fans and colleagues alike shared poignant memories of Adler following his death. One woman, Sharon Aiuvalasit, recounted her magical experience visiting the set of her favorite show, “Santa Barbara,” thanks to Adler’s kindness. Another fan, Jimmy Horton, reflected on how Adler profoundly impacted his early career in the drama “Search For Tomorrow,” and praised him as a “delight” to work with.
In the past year, Adler released a memoir titled “Too Funny For Words,” where he recounted various moments from his career, including his work as an assistant stage manager for “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” In an interview promoting his book, he humorously shared how he had to guide Carol Channing by flashlight due to her poor eyesight. Reflecting on his career, Adler expressed gratitude, stating, “It’s been a glorious run.” He even hinted at the possibility of a sequel to his memoir, saying, “Maybe there can be ‘Too Funny For Words, Part Two.”
Jerry Adler leaves behind a rich legacy in the entertainment industry, remembered not just for his iconic roles but also for his kindness and humor. His contributions to both theater and television have left an indelible mark that will be cherished by fans and colleagues alike.
