Jerry Adler, the actor best known for his roles in The Sopranos and The Good Wife, passed away at the remarkable age of 96. His death, confirmed by his family and the Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York, marks the end of a life that defied conventional career timelines and blossomed into public recognition only in his sixties. Before he became a familiar face to audiences as the wise Hesh Rabkin on The Sopranos or the cantankerous Howard Lyman on The Good Wife, Adler spent decades honing his craft in live theater, largely behind the scenes.
Adler’s career trajectory serves as a testament to perseverance, serendipity, and undeniable talent. His late-blooming stardom became a symbol of how passion and skill can find their fullest expression at any age. His life, rich with unexpected twists and devoted to his craft, serves as a reminder that a fulfilling career can unfold in surprising ways, even later in life.
Broadway Beginnings: A Legacy of Theater Heritage
Jerry Adler’s connection to the performing arts was deeply rooted in his family’s theatrical legacy. Born into a Jewish and Yiddish theater tradition, Adler was immersed in performance from an early age. His father, Philip Adler, was a respected general manager for the influential Group Theatre, a pioneering collective in American theater. Through his father’s role and his familial connections, Jerry developed an intrinsic understanding of theater, often working behind the scenes as a stage manager, director, and producer.
The Adler family’s prominence in theater was further amplified by Jerry’s cousin, the legendary acting teacher Stella Adler, and his distant cousin Luther Adler, an accomplished actor. These familial connections provided Jerry with an unparalleled perspective on the intricacies of show business and fostered his eventual involvement in major Broadway productions.
Adler’s early professional experience in theater came through his father’s connections, which he candidly described as “nepotism.” This honest reflection didn’t diminish his achievements but rather set the foundation for the extensive and successful career that followed. During his time at Syracuse University, Adler left school in 1950 to accept a position as assistant stage manager for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, starring Carol Channing. This decision marked a pivotal moment, setting him on a path that would see him contribute to 53 Broadway productions over the next several decades.
From Behind the Scenes to On-Screen Presence
Adler’s expertise behind the curtain helped shape many successful Broadway productions. Over the years, he worked in vital roles such as stage manager, producer, and director, contributing to iconic shows like My Fair Lady (1956), The Apple Tree (1966), and Dear World (1969). His behind-the-scenes work was instrumental in bringing countless stories to life, and his leadership in managing productions reinforced the artistic integrity of Broadway.
In the 1980s, as Broadway faced a decline, Adler made the decision to leave New York and relocate to California, seeking new opportunities in television. This shift, though seemingly a departure from his Broadway roots, marked the beginning of a successful second act in a new medium. As a seasoned professional, Adler found television production to be a natural extension of his skills, working on popular shows like Santa Barbara. However, it was during this time that Adler humorously described himself as being in the “twilight of a mediocre career”—a sentiment that would soon prove to be premature.
The Unexpected Career Pivot: From Production to Acting
Adler’s second act as an actor began with a “fluke” opportunity. At 65, he was invited to audition for a role in the 1992 film The Public Eye. This was the first time he had ever considered acting, having spent his career managing and directing performers. His audition for the role of a gruff newspaper columnist impressed director Howard Franklin, who remarked that he felt “chills” during Adler’s reading. This serendipitous moment marked the start of Adler’s acting career, leading to roles on television shows like Northern Exposure and Brooklyn Bridge.
Adler’s breakthrough role came when writer David Chase cast him in the 1999 pilot for The Sopranos. Initially a minor character, his portrayal of Hesh Rabkin, a Jewish music mogul with a long history in the mafia, quickly became a fan favorite. Hesh’s character, initially meant for a single episode, grew into a recurring role that spanned all six seasons. Adler’s performance added depth to the show, and his character’s interactions with Tony Soprano provided a moral counterpoint to the show’s often violent narrative.
Later Success: A Consistent Television Presence
Following The Sopranos, Adler’s career continued to flourish in television. He joined The Good Wife, playing Howard Lyman, a role that expanded over several seasons and later appeared in the spinoff The Good Fight. Known for his impeccable comedic timing, Adler’s portrayal of Howard Lyman, a lazy yet occasionally shrewd character, resonated with both audiences and critics. His ability to transform a minor character into a key figure demonstrated his versatility and ability to elevate any role.
Adler’s television career also included memorable guest spots on Rescue Me, Transparent, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, among others. Whether playing a fire chief in Rescue Me or Maura Pfefferman’s father in Transparent, Adler’s performances consistently highlighted his depth and range as an actor.
Full Circle: Returning to Broadway as an Actor
In 2000, after decades of shaping Broadway from behind the scenes, Adler made his stage debut as an actor in Elaine May’s Taller Than a Dwarf. This marked a full-circle moment, returning to the world that had first nurtured his career. His involvement in Larry David’s Fish in the Dark in 2015 further solidified his stage presence, showcasing his ability to blend humor with gravitas.
Adler also published a memoir titled Too Funny for Words: Backstage Tales from Broadway, Television, and the Movies, which offered an intimate look at his life in entertainment. The book, written during the pandemic, provided readers with a wealth of anecdotes from his seven decades in show business, along with his humorous reflections on the highs and lows of his career.
Jerry Adler’s unexpected rise to fame as an actor serves as a poignant reminder that talent and opportunity can converge at any stage in life. His career, spanning over 70 years, was marked by an enduring commitment to his craft, from the early days behind the scenes on Broadway to his memorable roles in television and film. His legacy, filled with wit, humor, and a deep love for performance, will continue to resonate for generations.
His passing at 96 was met with tributes from colleagues and fans alike. Michael Imperioli, who starred alongside Adler on The Sopranos, praised him as “one of my favorite characters” and a “true class act.” Robert King, co-creator of The Good Wife, highlighted how Adler’s performances “elevated” every role he took on. Adler’s impact, both as an actor and a human being, is undeniable, and his work will continue to inspire future generations of performers and audiences.
Jerry Adler’s life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, timing, and passion. He defied the traditional timeline of a career, proving that it’s never too late to find success. His career serves as an enduring example of the unexpected paths that can lead to greatness, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
