Jerry Adler, the late-blooming actor who became a household name as Hesh Rabkin on The Sopranos, has died at 96, closing the final chapter of a life spent both backstage and in front of the camera.
Jerry Adler, the veteran actor celebrated for his unforgettable portrayal of Herman “Hesh” Rabkin on HBO’s The Sopranos, has died at the age of 96. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 23, 2025, at his home in New York City.
Adler’s death marks the end of a remarkable life that bridged decades of theater, television, and film, and an unconventional path to fame.
Born on February 4, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, Adler came from a family steeped in the arts. His father, Philip Adler, was a respected general manager of The Group Theater, and his cousin, Stella Adler, became one of the most influential acting teachers of the 20th century.
Despite this artistic heritage, Adler initially pursued a career behind the scenes, dedicating himself to Broadway.
Over decades, he worked as a stage manager, director, and producer on more than fifty productions, including legendary shows like My Fair Lady, Annie, and The Homecoming.
In the 1980s, Adler relocated to California to be closer to his children, and it was there that his life took an unexpected turn.
Preparing for retirement from his distinguished Broadway career, he discovered a passion for acting. Beginning with minor roles in soap operas, Adler quickly demonstrated a natural talent in front of the camera.
His first major opportunity came in 1992, when he was encouraged by casting director Donna Isaacson to audition for a role in the film The Public Eye. This marked the start of a prolific on-screen career that blossomed in his 60s—a rare success story of late-blooming fame.
Adler’s most iconic role came in 1999 when he was cast as Hesh Rabkin on The Sopranos. Hesh, a Jewish music producer and loan shark with deep ties to the Soprano crime family, became a recurring presence over 28 episodes until the show’s conclusion in 2007.
Known for his sharp wit and unflinching honesty, Hesh was one of the few characters able to speak candidly to Tony Soprano without fear of reprisal.
In one memorable scene, Hesh confronts Tony over unpaid debts with the simple yet cutting line: “You don’t get to run this family alone, Tony.” The scene encapsulated Adler’s gift for delivering dialogue with a mix of humor, gravitas, and subtle menace.
Following the success of The Sopranos, Adler continued to build a remarkable television career. He portrayed Howard Lyman on The Good Wife and its spin-off The Good Fight, a role that expanded from a single episode into a recurring part due to his compelling performance.
Over the years, he appeared in Mad About You, Raising Dad, Rescue Me, Transparent, and Broad City, among others. His ability to inhabit diverse characters, from cantankerous elders to sharp-witted advisors, made him a sought-after character actor.
In addition to television, Adler appeared in several films, including Manhattan Murder Mystery, In Her Shoes, and Driveways.