‘Sopranos’ actor Jerry Adler dies at 96
Veteran Broadway director turned TV star remembered for his role as Hesh Rabkin in HBO’s The Sopranos
Jerry Adler, best known for playing Tony Soprano’s trusted adviser Hesh Rabkin, has died at the age of 96. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at his New York City home on August 23, 2025, his representative confirmed.
Born in Brooklyn in 1929, Adler grew up in a family immersed in Jewish and Yiddish theater. His cousin was renowned acting teacher Stella Adler, and his father, Phil Adler, managed the influential Group Theatre in the 1930s.
Before making his mark on television, Adler spent decades working behind the scenes on Broadway. He directed, produced, and stage-managed more than 50 shows, including My Fair Lady, and collaborated with icons such as Katharine Hepburn, Orson Welles, Marlene Dietrich, Julie Andrews, and Richard Burton.
“I’m a creature of nepotism,” Adler once said, recalling how his father helped him land his first stage management role while still a student at Syracuse University.
Adler didn’t pursue acting until his 60s. At the suggestion of a casting director friend, he auditioned for the 1992 film The Public Eye and impressed director Howard Franklin enough to launch a new career path. He later appeared on Northern Exposure before joining The Sopranos.
Originally cast for a one-off appearance, his role as Hesh Rabkin grew into a recurring character. Viewers came to know Hesh as Tony Soprano’s father’s old friend and trusted confidant. Adler’s dry wit often gave the series moments of unexpected humor, including a memorable funeral scene where he delivered a line fans still recall decades later.
Television and film career
Beyond The Sopranos, Adler had recurring roles in The Good Wife as Howard Lyman and appeared on Rescue Me, Transparent, The West Wing, and Broad City. His film credits included Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery.
Even with his success on screen, Adler continued to return to Broadway. In 2015, he appeared in Larry David’s play Fish in the Dark. Asked why he never retired, he replied: “I do it because I really enjoy it. I think retirement is a road to nowhere.”
In 2024, Adler published his memoir Too Funny for Words: Backstage Tales from Broadway, Television and the Movies, reflecting on his unusual path from stage manager to acclaimed actor.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Joan Laxman, and their four daughters — Alisa, Amy, Laura, and Emily.
Jerry Adler’s life and career show that it’s never too late to pursue new dreams. From shaping Broadway classics to bringing depth and humor to television, he leaves behind a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences.
