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Jerry Adler, ‘sopranos’ Advisor and Broadway Veteran, Dies at 96
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The actor, who found fame late in life portraying Herman ‘Hesh‘ Rabkin, transitioned from a distinguished career behind the scenes to become a beloved face on television.
Jerry Adler, the character actor best known for his nuanced portrayal of Herman ’Hesh’ Rabkin, advisor to Tony Soprano in the HBO landmark series The Sopranos, has died. He was 96 years old. His passing occurred peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, according to a statement released by his representatives, as reported by the Associated Press and Fox News.
Adler’s journey to acting was remarkably unconventional. He didn’t begin performing on screen until his early 60s, a serendipitous turn following a decades-long, highly respected career as a stage manager, supervisor, and director on Broadway. His story is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue a new passion.
from Stagehand to star: A Broadway Legacy
Born in brooklyn, Adler’s entry into the theater world was familial. He secured his first job in the industry through his father while still a university student. Over the next thirty years, he became an indispensable figure backstage, contributing to over 50 Broadway productions. He wasn’t merely present for these shows; he helped *make* them happen.
His early credits include stage managing the original 1956 production of My Fair Lady,a defining moment in musical theatre history,and featuring a young Julie Andrews in her breakout role. He continued to work on iconic productions, including the 1969 staging of Coco, starring Katharine Hepburn as the legendary Coco Chanel. He later supervised the original 1977 production of Annie, a musical that continues to enchant audiences today, and the 1980 revival of Camelot, which featured a powerful performance by Richard Burton.
Beyond these highlights, Adler’s Broadway expertise extended to managing numerous Tony Awards broadcasts in the 1980s and early 1990s, further solidifying his position as a respected industry professional.
A Late-blooming Acting Career
Adler’s transition to acting was almost accidental. As he prepared for retirement, a friend involved in casting the 1992 film The Public Eye extended an invitation.This single phone call launched a new chapter in his life. He followed this with roles in Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) and Getting Away with Murder (1996), honing his skills and gaining valuable on-screen experience.
however, it was his role as Herman ‘Hesh’ Rabkin in The Sopranos that brought Adler widespread recognition. As Tony Soprano’s trusted advisor and a link to his father’s past, Adler delivered a performance that was both authoritative and subtly sympathetic. As critic Hank Stuever Hesh was the show’s moral center, a man who understood the rules of the game and wasn’t afraid to play them.
(The Washington Post, 2007).
his success on The Sopranos opened doors to a string of memorable television roles. He became a familiar face on CBS,appearing in recurring roles as the frequently enough-irritating but ultimately pragmatic law partner Howard Lyman in both The Good Wife and its spin-off,The Good Fight. He also portrayed New York fire station chief Sidney Feinberg in FX’s gritty drama, Rescue Me.
Adler’s versatility was further demonstrated through roles like Rabbi Alan Schulman on CBS’s northern Exposure and the affable handyman Mr. Wicker on NBC’s Mad About You. He even made guest appearances in acclaimed series such as Curb Your Enthusiasm and The West Wing, showcasing his ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse comedic and dramatic landscapes.
A Full-Circle Return to the Stage
In a fitting culmination to his career,Adler returned to Broadway as an actor. He appeared in the 2000 play Taller Than a Dwarf and later in the
