Jerry Adler, Steven Van Zandt, Wife Maureen, Tony Sirico, Vincent Pastore (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Jerry Adler, a veteran actor renowned for his role as Hesh Rabkin on the acclaimed series The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 96. His death occurred on Saturday, as confirmed by an obituary from the Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York. The obituary did not disclose further details regarding the circumstances of his passing.
Adler’s longtime friend, Frank J. Reilly, announced his death in a post on social media platform X, acknowledging Adler’s iconic status 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.”
A Legacy in Theatre and Television
Born into a family deeply rooted in the theatre, Adler was the son of Phil Adler, who managed the Group Theatre, and the nephew of celebrated actor Jacob Pavlovich Adler. In a 2014 interview with the Southern New England Jewish Ledger, Adler reflected on his storied background in theater. Before stepping in front of the camera, he contributed significantly behind the scenes on Broadway, serving as stage manager for the original production of My Fair Lady in 1956, which starred Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison. He later directed a revival of the show in 1976, alongside other notable productions like Annie and We Interrupt This Program….
Despite his extensive theatre experience, Adler’s first acting credit came much later, in 1991, with an appearance on the television series Brooklyn Bridge. He went on to make guest appearances in popular shows such as Quantum Leap and Law & Order, and held leading roles in series like Hudson Street.
Iconic Role in The Sopranos
Adler is best remembered for his role on HBO’s The Sopranos, where he portrayed Hesh Rabkin, a confidant to the main character, Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini. Hesh was a loan shark dispensing wisdom to the younger members of the mafia, becoming a beloved recurring character throughout the show’s six seasons.
In addition to his memorable performance on The Sopranos, Adler made notable appearances in other acclaimed series, including Broad City, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Transparent. He also enjoyed a recurring role on The Good Wife, a legal drama led by Julianna Margulies. Robert King, co-creator of the series, shared a tribute on social media, highlighting Adler’s humor and talent. Initially intended for a single episode, Adler’s role as Howard Lyman expanded to 30 episodes, illustrating his impact on the show’s success.
As fans and colleagues reflect on his remarkable career, Adler’s contributions to both theatre and television will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come. His journey from stage manager to celebrated actor serves as an inspiration to many in the industry.
