Hollywood has lost another legend. Jerry Adler, the unforgettable actor known for his scene-stealing roles in The Sopranos and The Good Wife, has passed away at the age of 96. His family confirmed the news, stating he died on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
From Broadway to The Sopranos
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Adler kicked off his career on Broadway, not as an actor, but as a stage manager for the original production of My Fair Lady. He later moved in front of the camera, appearing in films like Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery and Charlie Kaufman’s Synechdoche, New York.
However, it was his role as Herman ‘Hesh’ Rabkin in the smash-hit HBO series The Sopranos that made him a household name. For six seasons, he played the sharp Jewish consigliere to mob boss Tony Soprano, appearing in 28 episodes and becoming a fan favourite.
The Scene-Stealer Who Couldn’t Be Ignored
Later in his career, Adler proved he still had the magic touch with roles in Rescue Me and The Good Wife. In fact, his talent was so undeniable that a planned one-off appearance on The Good Wife turned into a beloved recurring role spanning years.
