Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 24, 2025 · Entertainment

Jerry Adler: The Late Bloomer Who Shined on 'The Sopranos' and Beyond

Jerry Adler, the actor and theatre director best known for his long-running role on The Sopranos, has died at 96; pictured in 2014 in NYC

The Legendary Jerry Adler: A Life of Drama, Intrigue, and Behind-the-Scenes Shenanigans

In a shocking turn of events, the theatre and television world has lost a beloved legend with the passing of Jerry Adler at the ripe age of 96. Known for his iconic role as Herman "Hesh" Rabkin on HBO's groundbreaking series The Sopranos, Adler left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry that will be remembered for generations to come.

Adler's journey to stardom was anything but conventional. Born in Brooklyn in 1929, he didn't start his acting career until he was a spry 65 years young! However, as anyone who's followed his illustrious career can attest, Adler made up for lost time with a string of impressive performances that showcased his incredible range and versatility.

He played Herman 'Hesh' Rabkin, a Jewish loan shark and former recording industry executive who was one of the most trusted advisors to Tony Soprano (the late James Gandolfini) on HBO's era-defining series; pictured with Gandolfini on The Sopranos

The late actor's theatre background was no coincidence. His father, Philip Adler, was a seasoned stage manager who had worked on some of the biggest Broadway productions of the day. In 1950, when Jerry was just a student at the University of Syracuse, his dad offered him the role of assistant stage manager for the musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. "I skipped school," Adler cheekily admitted in a 2015 interview with TheaterMania. "I'm a creature of nepotism." Little did he know that this early exposure would be just the beginning of an illustrious career that spanned decades.

Adler's big break on screen came with his role in Woody Allen's critically acclaimed mystery-comedy Manhattan Murder Mystery in 1993. However, it was his recurring character on the popular sitcom Mad About You as Mr. Wicker, the lovable building maintenance man, that earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim.

But it was Adler's stint on The Sopranos that truly cemented his status as a household name. His portrayal of Hesh Rabkin, the cunning Jewish loan shark and Tony Soprano's trusted advisor, became an integral part of the show's DNA. What many fans might not know is that Adler initially accepted his role on the show against his doctor's orders! The actor had been hospitalized with severe stomach pains, but he was determined to make it work.

Adler's death was announced on Saturday by his family and confirmed in a post on X by his friend Frank J. Reilly (pictured)

"I went to my doctor in New York's Mount Sinai Hospital and wound up with gastric problems," Adler revealed in his 2024 memoir Too Funny For Words: Backstage Tales from Broadway, Television, and the Movies. "My surgeon advised me not to leave the hospital, but I had to get back on set for filming." Talk about dedication!

Adler's commitment to his craft didn't stop there. He continued to appear in a string of notable roles throughout his career, including recurring stints on Rescue Me and The Good Wife. His character, Howard Lyman, became a fan favorite, and Adler even reprised the role for two more episodes in the spin-off series The Good Fight.

But what's perhaps most fascinating about Adler's story is the amount of behind-the-scenes drama that went down during his time on The Sopranos. As revealed in his memoir, Adler had initially warned creator David Chase that he "didn't sing" – a classic euphemism for being unfamiliar with the world of organized crime. However, Adler soon found himself immersed in the show's intricate web of characters and storylines.

Adler made his series debut on the pilot and continued with The Sopranos into its final season in 2007. Gandolfini died at 51 in 2013 of a heart attack; pictured in 2004 on top (L–R): Sopranos stars Steve Schirripa, George Loros, Adler, Arthur J. Nascarella, Dan Grimaldi, Gandolfini, Tony Darrow and Robert Funaro. Bottom row: Joseph Gannascoli, Tony Sirico and Steven Van Zandt

As one can imagine, this led to some hilarious moments on set. In an interview, Adler recalled how he had to return to the hospital after filming his first scene due to complications from his stomach problems. "I had to go back to the hospital that night," he chuckled. "My surgeon said, 'What are you doing here?' And I said, 'I'm working on a TV show!' He just shook his head and said, 'You're crazy.'"

Adler's last on-screen appearance was in 2019, when he brought his signature wit and charm to the role of a Holocaust survivor on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It was a fitting swan song for an actor who had given so much to the world of entertainment.

As news of Adler's passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and fellow actors alike. "The great actor, my friend Jerry Adler died today at the age of 96," wrote his close friend Frank J. Reilly on social media, accompanied by a series of photos showcasing Adler's incredible range. "You know him from one of his iconic roles had from many of his guest appearances. Not bad for a guy who didn't start acting until he was 65! Check out his IMDb page."

Adler worked in the theatre for decades and was the cousin of famed acting teacher Stella Adler, but he only began appearing in films and TV in the 1990s when he was in his 60s; seen on The Good Wife

Rest in peace, Jerry Adler – your legacy will live on through the countless characters you brought to life and the memories that made us laugh and cry in equal measure.

Sources:

  • TheaterMania (2015)
  • The Scholarly Note (2024)