Alright, pop culture fanatics, we’ve got some sad news. The entertainment world is saying goodbye to a true legend, Jerry Adler. He was a familiar face to many, especially fans of hit shows like “The Sopranos.” Jerry passed away recently at the grand old age of 96. His long career spanned many decades and touched countless lives, both on and off screen.
His family shared the news of his passing, confirming he died on August 23, 2025, in New York City. Jerry was a Brooklyn native, born back on February 4, 1929. Before he ever stepped in front of a camera, he was making things happen behind the scenes. He started his journey on Broadway as a stage manager, orchestrating famous plays. Imagine him working on classics like “My Fair Lady,” “Of Thee I Sing,” and “The Apple Tree.” He even rubbed shoulders with acting giants such as Katharine Hepburn and Zero Mostel. Talk about learning from the best!
A Star Blooms Late: From Stage Manager to Screen Idol
Now, here’s a fun fact about Jerry: he didn’t even start acting until he was 62! Most people are thinking about retirement then. But not Jerry. He made his acting debut in 1991 with “Brooklyn Bridge.” Just two years later, he popped up in Woody Allen’s film, “Manhattan Murder Mystery.” Clearly, he found his true calling a little later in life.
Of course, we all remember him as Herman ‘Hesh’ Rabkin in “The Sopranos.” That role stuck with us from 1999 all the way to 2007. He also won hearts as Howard Lyman in “The Good Wife” and its spin-off, “The Good Fight.” These characters really showed off his amazing talent and made him a beloved figure on television.
Jerry’s Diverse Journey: From Hit TV to Broadway Returns
Jerry’s work didn’t stop there. His resume reads like a who’s who of popular TV. He appeared in shows such as “Mad About You,” “Northern Exposure,” “Transparent,” and “Broad City.” And let’s not forget his film roles in movies like “In Her Shoes,” “Synecdoche,” “New York,” and “A Most Violent Year.” Even after becoming a screen star, he returned to his stage roots, appearing in Broadway productions like “Taller Than a Dwarf” in 2000 and “Fish in the Dark” in 2015. What a career, right? Jerry Adler truly left his mark on every stage and screen he graced.