Actor Jerry Adler, from “The Sopranos,” died at 96

The Sopranos’ Herman “Hesh” Rabkin, Jerry Adler, died at 96. On August 23, his death was revealed, affecting Broadway, television, and cinema for decades.

Entertainment legend Adler was known by millions. His acting and behind-the-scenes skills helped him succeed beyond the gangster thriller.

Former Broadway stage manager became famous actor

Brooklyn-born Jerry Adler rose to fame in an unusual way. Adler worked behind the scenes on Broadway before becoming a clever consigliere on The Sopranos. Working with Katharine Hepburn, Angela Lansbury, and Zero Mostel made him a successful stage manager and director.

He appeared in many Broadway shows, including The Homecoming in 1967 and My Fair Lady in 1956. Before he became famous on film, these incidents made Adler famous in American theater.

Late Fame Start

Jerry Adler began performing later than his contemporaries. At 60, he began performing in the 1990s. Jerry followed his own path despite his creative background. Stella Adler was his cousin.

The Sopranos (1999) starred James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano’s confidant Herman “Hesh” Rabkin. This was his breakthrough. Adler was close to Tony’s father, Giovanni “Johnny Boy” Soprano, so she felt linked to the family. Tony received wise and stern advise from music industry veteran Hesh throughout the series.

Once “The Sopranos”

Adler had many notable parts, but The Sopranos made him famous. After playing Rabbi Alan Schulman in Northern Exposure, he appeared in Rescue Me, Transparent, Raising Dad, and Mad About You.

Hollywood stars appeared in Adler’s films. He appeared in The Public Eye (1992) with Joe Pesci, Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) with Woody Allen, and Prime (2005) starring Meryl Streep and Uma Thurman. He then appeared in Sidney Lumet’s Find Me Guilty (2006) and Charlie Kaufman’s Synecdoche, New York (2008).

Santa Barbara’s stage manager Adler operated behind the scenes.

Fan and Coworker Memories

Coworkers mourned Adler. Abruzzo, who portrayed Little Carmine Lupertazzi on The Sopranos, remarked, “He was a great guy with a great life in show business.” His thoughts showed that Adler was a nice person and a charming actress.

Adler impacted future actors with his love of theater and television. His hard work and love of his job allowed him to advance from backstage to front stage later in life.

Private Life and Legacy

Joan Laxman, Jerry Adler’s psychologist wife of almost 30 years, lives. Good job and nice marriage for Adler.

Fans of The Sopranos and other shows will remember Jerry Adler for more than acting. Strong and adaptable, he enjoyed storytelling. Years from now, his legacy will inspire actors, directors, and fans.

Sources

• The Hollywood Reporter

• Variety

• Deadline

• IMDb