Jerry Adler, ‘Sopranos’ Star and Broadway Veteran, Dies at 96

Jerry Adler, ‘Sopranos’ Star and Broadway Veteran, Dies at 96

Jerry Adler, a beloved face on The Sopranos, The Good Wife, and Rescue Me, passed away peacefully in New York at age 96. His family confirmed the news, marking the end of a truly remarkable showbiz journey.

Adler’s career started behind the curtains—he worked as a stage manager on Broadway, including the original My Fair Lady in 1956. Remarkably, he didn't appear on camera until his early 60s.

In a testament to his talent, he became a fan favorite as Herman “Hesh” Rabkin in The Sopranos—a role he played over six seasons. He then appeared in popular shows like The Good Wife (and The Good Fight), Northern Exposure, Mad About You, Rescue Me, and Transparent.

Adler also shone in movies—from Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery to Charlie Kaufman’s Synecdoche, New York—and left an indelible mark on TV with his witty, scene-stealing presence.

Despite a life spent largely backstage, Adler once reflected, “Then you do a television show and suddenly you’re a celebrity and everyone knows your face. It’s so weird.”

He is survived by his wife, psychologist Joan Laxman, whom he married in 1994. His passing leaves a legacy of late-blooming brilliance that will continue to inspire actors and fans alike.

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Remembering Jerry Adler—a Broadway stage manager turned TV star—best known as Hesh in The Sopranos. He passed away at 96, leaving behind a late-blooming career rich with iconic roles and fan-favorite performances