Jerry Adler, veteran character actor from ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘The Good Wife,’ dies at 96

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Jerry Adler, who spent numerous years working off-stage on Broadway before transforming into a successful television actor in his 60s, is most famously recognized for his roles as Herman “Hesh” Rabkin on HBO’s “The Sopranos” and Howard Lyman on CBS’ “The Good Wife.” Sadly, he passed away at the age of 96.

Adler passed away on Saturday, in his New York residence, as confirmed by his family, without revealing the cause.

In the TV show “The Sopranos,” Adler portrayed Hesh, a Jewish music producer and loan shark who had deep-rooted connections with the Soprano crime family. Although not an official member of Tony Soprano’s inner circle, he was trusted enough to openly discuss matters with James Gandolfini’s mob boss without facing retaliation. Adler appeared on the show from its debut in 1999 until the final season in 2007, providing a consistent presence lurking on the fringes of Tony’s criminal empire.

In some of the series’ most impactful storylines, Hesh occasionally appeared, aiding Tony’s apprentice Christopher and his girlfriend Adriana as they struggled with their doomed attempts to break into the music industry, participating in Tony’s horse racing endeavor, and ultimately witnessing their relationship deteriorate when Tony demanded a significant loan from him during the final season.

It was an immense privilege working with you. Farewell and safe travels, my friend.

Instead of springing into stardom like many “The Sopranos” cast members, Adler’s journey to fame was distinct, marked by over four decades of work offstage on Broadway prior to his on-camera debut.

Born in Brooklyn on February 4, 1929, Adler kick-started his professional journey as an assistant stage manager in the year 1950 for the play “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” Over the years, he held roles such as stage manager, production manager, or supervisor on over fifty productions. Among these were the original “My Fair Lady,” Harold Pinter’s “The Homecoming” and “The Apple Tree,” under the direction of Mike Nichols. Additionally, Adler himself directed several stage productions as well.

In the ’80s, he relocated to Los Angeles, primarily to be near his kids. He secured a stable job as a stage manager in daytime television. Acting didn’t become part of his career until his sixties. His acting debut came in 1991 on CBS’ “Brooklyn Bridge.” Over the next decade, he established himself as a character actor, appearing in films like Joe Pesci’s “The Public Eye” (1992) and Woody Allen’s “Manhattan Murder Mystery” (1993).

Following his time on “The Sopranos,” Adler continued to be a frequent face on TV screens. In 2011, he made an appearance on “The Good Wife” as Howard Lyman, a pompous, outdated partner at the Lockhart/Gardner law firm. Originally intended for just one episode, this role evolved into a recurring character over six seasons. Adler reprised his part in “The Good Fight” during 2017 and 2018 as well.

In my appreciation for the diverse range of characters I’ve had the pleasure to portray, I must mention my stints across various TV shows like FX’s “Rescue Me” as Fire Chief Sidney Feinberg, “Northern Exposure,” “Mad About You,” “Transparent,” and “Broad City.” As for films, I’ve been fortunate to be a part of productions such as “In Her Shoes” (2005), “Synecdoche, New York” (2008), and “A Most Violent Year” (2014).

Toward the end of his life, Adler graced Broadway stages once more, featuring in Elaine May’s comedy “Taller Than a Dwarf” in 2000 and Larry David’s “Fish in the Dark” in 2015. His most recent acting role was on the revival season of “Mad About You” in 2019. In 2024, he released his memoir titled “Too Funny for Words: Backstage Stories from Broadway, TV, and Movies,” sharing insights into his unique journey in the entertainment industry.

On Instagram, Michael Imperioli, who starred alongside him as Christopher in “The Sopranos,” extolled Adler as a phenomenal actor and an exceptionally kind individual. Adler imbued the character of Herman ‘Hesh’ Rabkin with an abundance of wit, intellect, and authenticity, making him one of Imperioli’s favorite characters on the series. Spending time and working with Jerry was a joy for Imperioli. He considers Adler a true gentleman.

The individuals who have managed to carry on after him are his spouse, Joan Laxman (married in 1994), as well as his daughters: Alisa, Amy, Laura, and Emily.

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2025-08-24 20:01