'The Sopranos' Actor Jerry Adler Passes Away – Details

Jerry Adler, a veteran actor and director whose career spanned Broadway, television, and film, has died.

Jerry Adler, best known for his role in "The Sopranos," has passed away in New York City at the age of 96. According to his representative, Adler died peacefully in his sleep.

Born on February 4, 1929, Adler built a long career in the entertainment industry. While he gained widespread recognition for playing Herman "Hesh" Rabkin, a Jewish mob associate on "The Sopranos," Adler's career stretched far beyond that role.

For the first 40 years of his career, he worked behind the scenes as a Broadway stage manager, director, and production supervisor. His credits included celebrated productions such as "My Fair Lady" and "The Pajama Game." By the time he turned 65, he had also directed for television and had planned to retire.

Ultimately, retirement wasn't in the cards, and it all changed with one unexpected phone call from a friend of his who was a casting director. He recalled, "She was doing a movie and said, 'The director keeps describing you when he describes this character.' I'd never acted before."

What began as a post-retirement experiment soon became a celebrated second act. Adler's portrayal of Hesh Rabkin on "The Sopranos" was initially meant to be brief, but the character resonated so strongly with audiences and producers that he became a mainstay on the series.

"This started as a lark," he told a reporter in 1992. Adler, used to the grind of life behind the scenes on Broadway, was surprised to find himself enjoying the perks that came with being on camera — luxurious hotel stays, private trailers, and limousines. "They make you feel important," he admitted.

However, as he continued to act, he realized it was something he actually loved. "I do it because I really enjoy it. I think retirement is a road to nowhere. I wouldn't know what to do if I were retired," he added.

Adler lived in Litchfield County, Connecticut, for nearly 25 years before relocating to New York City in 2017. He remained active in the arts, returning to the stage in plays including Neil Simon's "The Sunshine Boys" at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre and Mike Reiss' comedy "I'm Connecticut."

His final Broadway performance was in 2015, appearing in Larry David's comedy "Fish in the Dark." After all his years in the business, Adler called it one of his favorite jobs.

"I stayed in bed until I died (in the first scene) and then spent the rest of the play in the dressing room," he joked. He said that hanging out in the dressing room was more fun than performing and added, "Larry was one of the funniest men I've ever known."

Adler had witnessed Broadway evolve over the decades. He once reflected on the rising cost of theater tickets — from just $7.80 to $8.50 for "My Fair Lady" in the 1950s to over $300–$500 for orchestra seats today.

Despite the changes, his love for the stage never wavered.

At 95, he published his memoir, "Too Funny for Words: Backstage Tales from Broadway, Television and the Movies," which was released on May 21, 2024.

"It's been a glorious run. I wrote this book during the pandemic because I thought the world could use some laughs," he shared during promotion for the memoir.

He even hinted at a possible follow-up. "I still have more stories to tell, too, about working on the Tony Awards shows, about all the summer stock productions, about all the 'My Fair Lady' revivals... Maybe there can be 'Too Funny for Words, Part Two'," he suggested.

Unfortunately, Adler never had the chance to write that second volume. But his joyous spirit, his talent, and his zest for life will remain in the hearts of those he touched — on stage, on screen, and off.

Adler left an impression on everyone he worked with. His Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli paid tribute, saying:

"[Jerry] was a fantastic actor and the kindest of human beings. He brought so much humor, intelligence and truth to the role of Herman 'Hesh' Rabkin and was one of my favorite characters on The Sopranos. I loved working and spending time with Jerry. A true class act. Much love to the family."

Writer and friend Frank J. Reilly also honored Adler in a post on X, writing, "The great actor, my friend Jerry Adler died today at the age of 96. 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."

Television producer Robert King shared a behind-the-scenes story from working with Adler. "The intent was only to have him for one episode of THE GOOD WIFE, but he was so funny in a diner scene, yelling 'I said ice cream, you [expletive]' we had him back for six years of Good Wife and three years of Good Fight. One of our favorite collaborators."

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Joan Laxman, and his four daughters: Alisa, Amy, Laura, and Emily.

The official cause of death has not been released.