Jerry Adler, Beloved 'Sopranos' Star As Hesh Rabkin, Passes Away At 96 on OnlyLikeFans

Remembering a Legend: Jerry Adler’s Iconic Journey

Jerry Adler, the multi-talented Broadway producer turned actor who became a household name as Hesh Rabkin on HBO’s gritty masterpiece 'The Sopranos,' passed away on Saturday at the age of 96. His death was confirmed by Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York, marking the end of an era for fans of both theater and television.

Adler’s story is one of reinvention. After spending decades behind the curtain as a Broadway producer and manager, he nearly hung up his hat - until a friend of one of his daughters, a casting director for the 1992 thriller 'The Public Eye,' urged him to audition. That decision flipped the script on his career, launching him into the spotlight as a sought-after character actor well into his later years.

From Broadway to the Small Screen

Adler’s breakout on-screen role came with 'The Sopranos,' where he portrayed Hesh Rabkin, a savvy Jewish loan shark and trusted confidant to Tony Soprano’s father, later advising Tony himself (played by the late James Gandolfini). Spanning all six seasons, Adler brought depth and grit to the character, cementing his place in TV history.

Beyond the mob world, Adler showcased his range with roles like fire chief Sidney Feinberg on FX’s 'Rescue Me' and the sharp-witted lawyer Howard Lyman on CBS’s 'The Good Wife.' His film credits are just as impressive, with appearances in Woody Allen’s 'Manhattan Murder Mystery,' J.C. Chandor’s intense 'A Most Violent Year,' and even a poignant role in his nineties in Andrew Ahn’s indie gem 'Driveways.'

'Jerry Adler was a true storyteller, whether on stage, screen, or in person - his warmth and wisdom will be missed by so many,' a close family friend shared in a statement.

A Life Steeped in Showbiz

Born on February 4, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, Adler seemed destined for the spotlight. His father managed the Group Theatre and Broadway productions, while his cousin, Stella Adler, became a legendary acting coach. Jerry himself racked up over 50 backstage credits on Broadway before pivoting to television production in California during the 1980s.

In 2024, he shared his incredible journey in a memoir titled 'Too Funny for Words: Backstage Tales From Broadway, Television and the Movies,' giving fans a glimpse into a life well-lived. Adler leaves behind his wife, Joan Laxman, and a legacy that bridges the golden age of theater with modern TV drama.