The world of television has lost one of its most familiar and beloved faces. News broke this weekend that an acclaimed American actor has passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances. His career was remarkable not only for its longevity but also because it began surprisingly late in life.
Friends and colleagues are paying tribute, remembering him for his sharp wit, professionalism, and the warmth he brought both on and off screen. One longtime friend called him “a great actor and a greater human being,” marveling at how he achieved iconic status despite only stepping in front of the camera in his 60s.
That man was Jerry Adler, best known for his role as Herman “Hesh” Rabkin in HBO’s The Sopranos. Adler passed away peacefully in his sleep in New York on August 23, according to his family. His death marks the end of an extraordinary career that spanned more than three decades and touched audiences worldwide.
Adler made his television debut in 1991 in the series Brooklyn Bridge. Just two years later, he secured his first leading role in Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery. Throughout the 1990s, he became a familiar presence on television, appearing in shows such as Alright Already and Hudson Street.
His most iconic role came in the groundbreaking drama The Sopranos, where he played the trusted advisor to Tony Soprano, portrayed by the late James Gandolfini. Adler’s nuanced performance added depth and authenticity to the series, making Hesh Rabkin one of the show’s most memorable supporting characters. He also appeared in other acclaimed projects, including the legal drama The Good Wife.
Off-screen, Adler was remembered as a devoted husband. He is survived by his wife, Joan Laxman, with whom he shared 31 years of marriage.
With his passing, the television world has lost not just an actor but a storyteller whose presence elevated every project he was part of.
