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| Adler played Howard Lyman in The Good Wife. (Getty Images: Michael Parmelee/CBS ) |
Jerry Adler, Star of The Sopranos and The Good Wife, Dies Aged 96
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Jerry Adler, a veteran stage and screen actor whose career spanned more than six decades. Adler, best known for his roles as Hesh Rabkin in The Sopranos and Howard Lyman in The Good Wife, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 96 in New York, as confirmed by his family through the Riverside Memorial Chapel.
No immediate cause of death was given, but the star’s passing marks the end of a remarkable career that left a lasting legacy across Broadway, television, and film.
From Broadway to Hollywood: A Life in the Spotlight
Long before Adler became a familiar face on television, he had already built a formidable career behind the curtain. By the time he first stepped in front of a camera, he had been part of 53 Broadway productions—working as a stage manager, producer, and director. His name was attached to classics like My Fair Lady and productions featuring stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Julie Andrews, and Richard Burton.
Adler came from a family deeply rooted in performance and theatre. His father, Philip Adler, was a general manager for Broadway and the legendary Group Theatre, while his cousin, Stella Adler, became one of the most influential acting teachers of the 20th century.
Reflecting on his beginnings in a 2014 interview, Adler once said:
“I got my first job when I was at Syracuse University and my father, the general manager of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, called me because there was an opening for an assistant stage manager. I skipped school.”
This early opportunity began what would be a lifelong devotion to theatre and performance.
Reinvention in Television
During the 1980s, Broadway entered a slump, leading Adler to move to California. There, he transitioned into television, working on productions such as the soap opera Santa Barbara.
But Adler, ever modest, described that period of his life with characteristic humor:
“I was really getting into the twilight of a mediocre career.”
Fate, however, had other plans. A casting director friend of his daughter suggested him for a role in The Public Eye, which kickstarted an unexpected late-blooming career as a character actor. This pivot brought Adler into the orbit of David Chase, the creative mind behind Northern Exposure and later, The Sopranos.
The Sopranos: An Iconic Role
When Chase developed The Sopranos, he called Adler to play a cameo as Hesh Rabkin, a savvy music producer and longtime adviser to Tony Soprano. What was intended as a one-off appearance quickly grew into a recurring role across all six seasons of the groundbreaking HBO series.
In a 2015 interview, Adler recalled:
“When they picked up the show they liked the character, and I would come on every fourth week.”
Hesh became one of Tony’s most trusted confidants, often providing sharp business advice and cultural perspective. Adler’s performance gave the character depth, wit, and authenticity, making Hesh one of the most memorable supporting figures in the series.
Beyond The Sopranos
Adler’s television career didn’t stop with mob dramas. He went on to star as Howard Lyman, a seasoned law partner, in the critically acclaimed legal series The Good Wife. His portrayal added gravitas and humor to the show, further cementing his reputation as a versatile actor.
In addition to these career-defining roles, Adler’s credits included:
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Rescue Me
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Mad About You
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Transparent
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Guest spots on The West Wing, Broad City, and more
Each role, whether large or small, was marked by his ability to elevate the material with his presence and skill.
A Legacy Rooted in Family and Art
Adler’s life and work were always tied to his family’s theatrical roots. With his cousin Stella Adler shaping generations of actors and his father’s role in Broadway history, Jerry’s own journey felt like a continuation of that artistic legacy.
Even in interviews late in life, Adler spoke with humility, humor, and an undimmed passion for storytelling. His career is a reminder that reinvention and success can come at any stage in life, whether you’re starting out in theatre or finding unexpected fame in television at an age when many contemplate retirement.
Remembering Jerry Adler
Jerry Adler’s passing is not just the loss of a beloved actor but the end of an era that connected Broadway’s golden age with modern television. From managing backstage chaos in My Fair Lady to portraying unforgettable characters on two of the most celebrated TV dramas of our time, Adler’s contributions remain etched in entertainment history.
As fans, colleagues, and admirers reflect on his work, Jerry Adler will be remembered for his dedication, his artistry, and the quiet strength he brought to every role.
At 96, he leaves behind not just a legacy of performances but an inspiring story of resilience, reinvention, and passion for the craft of acting.
✨ Jerry Adler’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to discover new chapters in life. From Broadway’s lights to HBO’s small screen, his journey stands as a true testament to talent, perseverance, and legacy.
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