Jerry Adler, the Broadway stalwart turned iconic TV character actor, has died at 96 after a life rich in reinvention and grace.

24 August 2025

Jerry Adler passes away at 96 (Image via Instagram)

Jerry Adler passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 23, 2025, in his New York home, surrounded by family, as confirmed by a family obituary. Born on February 4, 1929, in Brooklyn, he left behind a remarkable legacy both behind the scenes and on screen.

A scion of a famed acting dynasty cousin to the illustrious Stella Adler and descendant of Yiddish theatre pioneer Jacob Pavlovich Adler Jerry’s story unfolded in stages. He began his career in theater through backstage roles, serving as stage manager, producer, and director on over 50 Broadway productions, including storied titles like My Fair Lady and The Apple Tree.

It wasn’t until his sixties that Adler stepped into acting on camera. His onscreen debut in Brooklyn Bridge was followed by a film role in The Public Eye in 1992. From that point on, he embraced acting as a second act one marked by warmth, wit, and humility.

Jersey’s proudest role arrived in the late 1990s when he became Herman “Hesh” Rabkin, Tony Soprano’s trusted consigliere on HBO’s The Sopranos. He embodied the character across all six seasons, earning the respect of audiences and peers alike. Adler’s portrayal combined shrewd wisdom and subtle emotion, becoming one of the show’s most beloved figures.

Adler’s on‑screen journey didn’t end there. He cultivated a steady presence on prestigious television series including The Good Wife as law partner Howard Lyman, Rescue Me as NYFD chief Sidney Feinberg, and appearances on Transparent, Mad About You, and Broad City. In film, he delivered memorable performances in Manhattan Murder Mystery, Synecdoche, New York, and Driveways.

Colleagues remembered him as a comedic and gracious spirit whose seasoned presence grounded every ensemble. After a long transition from Broadway’s backstage hustle to TV screens, his witty resilience became his signature.

Adler also chronicled his extraordinary path in a memoir published in 2024, Too Funny for Words: Backstage Tales from Broadway, Television and the Movies, offering readers personal reflections on a life spent stewarding creativity.

He is survived by his wife of many years, Joan Laxman, and his four daughters, Alisa, Amy, Laura, and Emily. As tributes poured in, fans recalled Hesh’s line from The Sopranos: “He was just a kid,” a quietly powerful echo of Adler’s unassuming charm.

Jerry Adler’s late-blooming career affirms that reinvention can begin any time and flourish with heart and craft. He embodied the beauty of quiet perseverance and stands as a cherished figure remembered for both his theatrical roots and his soulful screen moments.