Jerry Adler Dies at 96 – Remembering Hesh from The Sopranos and a Lifetime on Stage

Jerry Adler Dies at 96—Remembering Hesh from The Sopranos and a Lifetime on Stage

Jerry Adler Dies at 96—Remembering Hesh from The Sopranos and a Lifetime on Stage

Jerry Adler Passes Away at 96 – A Quiet Giant of Stage and Screen

I woke up to the sad news that Jerry Adler has passed away at the age of 96. For many of us, he’ll always be Hesh Rabkin from The Sopranos—calm, sharp, and always one step ahead—but that was only one chapter in a career that lasted more than 70 years.

Adler actually started out far from the cameras. He spent decades working behind the scenes on Broadway as a stage manager and director for productions like My Fair Lady and Fiddler on the Roof. He wasn’t chasing the spotlight—but eventually, it found him.

A Late-Blooming Star

Most actors wind things down in their sixties. Jerry did the opposite. He stepped into acting roles in the ’90s and ended up stealing scenes in every show he touched. The Sopranos made him familiar to millions, but he also turned up in The Good Wife, Rescue Me, Transparent, Mad About You—you name it, he was probably in it.

What I loved most about him was his ability to feel completely real on screen. No theatrics, no overacting—just honest, grounded performances.

Loved by Castmates and Fans

People who worked with him always said the same thing: Jerry was a pro. He didn’t care about being flashy or hogging attention. He made other actors better just by being there. On The Good Wife, what was meant to be a one-off part became a recurring role simply because everyone loved having him around.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

To me, Jerry Adler is proof that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. He built an entire career backstage, then found a second one in front of the camera—and made it look effortless.

If you’re a fan of The Sopranos, you’ll probably rewatch an episode or two this week just to see him as Hesh one more time. Quiet strength, sharp mind, dry humor—that was Jerry.

#JerryAdler #TheSopranos #Broadway #HeshRabkin #RIPJerryAdler