'The Sopranos' Actor Jerry Adler Passes Away – Details

Jerry Adler, a veteran actor and director whose career spanned Broadway, television, and film, has died at age 96.

Jerry Adler, best known for his role in "The Sopranos," has died in New York City. He was 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 and was a lifelong New Yorker. 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.

In addition to acting, Adler worked behind the scenes as a theater director and production supervisor. His Broadway credits included work on productions such as "My Fair Lady" and "The Pajama Game" before he transitioned more fully into acting on screen.

"[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," said "The Sopranos" co-star Michael Imperioli.

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.