The Sopranos and The Good Wife star Jerry Adler has died at the age of 96, with his friend paying tribute to the ‘iconic’ American actor in an emotional social media post
Hollywood star Jerry Adler, who is best known for his role in The Sopranos, has died aged 96. The actor played Herman ‘Hesh’ Rabkin in the hit HBO series.
His friend Frank J. Reilly announced the actor’s death, writing: “The great actor, my friend Jerry Adler, died today at the age of 96.
“You know him from one of his iconic roles had from many of his guest appearances. Not bad for a guy who didn’t start acting until he was 65.”
Adler’s passing follows the death of his former co-star, Charley Scalies, who also died earlier this year after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. News of Adler’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, particularly following recent revelations from the show’s creator about his biggest regret concerning the series.
Adler, who began his acting career in his 60s, was widely praised on social media for his memorable roles, including his stint on The Sopranos and subsequent parts in The Good Wife, Rescue Me, and other sitcoms.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “If you have watched TV in the last 30 years or so, you know him as a fantastic character actor. Rest well, Jerry Adler.”
“RIP Hesh,” another added, while a third said: “Sleeping with the fishes,” referencing his role in The Sopranos.
Before turning to acting, Adler had a successful career as a Broadway stage manager, working on productions like My Fair Lady and directing numerous theatre shows.
His acting career took off after he received a casting call for the 1992 Joe Pesci-led film The Public Eye. He first graced our screens in a 1991 episode of CBS’s Brooklyn Bridge, before securing regular roles on ABC’s Hudson Street and The WB’s Alright Already and Raising dad shows.
He also showcased his talent on the big screen in Manhattan Murder Mystery, Getting Away with Murder, In Her Shoes, Synecdoche, New York, and A Most Violent Year.
Adler’s passing marks the latest in a series of losses from the cast of the hit mob series. The show’s star, James Gandolfini, tragically died in 2013 at just 51 years old.
Other notable departures include Robert Loggia in 2015, David Margulies in 2016, and John Heard in 2017. Adler leaves behind his wife, Psychologist Joan Laxman, to whom he was married since 1994.
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