Actor Jerry Adler, born in 1929, passes away in 2025.

Jerry Adler, who passed away at the age of 96, had a remarkable career spanning both theatre and television. Born in Brooklyn in 1929 to a family with a theatrical background, Adler's life was destined for the stage.

Adler's father was a theatre manager for numerous Broadway shows and the general manager for the Group Theater. This early exposure to the world of theatre laid the foundation for Adler's future career.

Adler began his career working as a stage manager and then director for soap operas, including NBC's Santa Barbara (1984-1993). He then moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s to be closer to his children, which marked the beginning of his television career.

One of Adler's earliest television roles was in the show Northern Exposure on CBS, where he played a rabbi. However, it was his role as Herman "Hesh" Rabkin in the show The Sopranos (1999-2007) that brought him widespread recognition. Hesh Rabkin was a criminal associate who provided paternal advice to the mob boss, despite potential lethal consequences. Adler's role as Hesh Rabkin became more prominent as the series progressed.

Adler also appeared in the film A Most Violent Year (2014) and the revival of the sitcom Mad About You in 2019. His career in film began with his film debut in the 1992 film The Public Eye, which was directed by Howard Franklin after a friend's recommendation.

Woody Allen gave Adler a major role in Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993). Adler's stage career was also impressive, with highlights including his work as a stage manager and then director for numerous productions, including a tour of Camelot with Richard Burton. He later brought a successful revival of My Fair Lady back to the stage.

Adler made his directorial debut with Good Evening (1973), a sketch show featuring Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. He also played Howard Lyman in The Good Wife (2009-16) and its sequel, The Good Fight (2017-22).

In 1992, Adler landed a role in Larry David's 2015 ensemble comedy Fish in the Dark, which marked his final stage appearance. Adler published his memoir, Too Funny for Words, in 2020, providing a fascinating insight into his life and career.

Adler described his Broadway experience as a "strange life" due to working at night and having a normal life during the day. Despite the challenges, Adler's passion for theatre and television never waned, and he will be remembered as a talented and versatile actor.