Famous for his portrayal of Hesh Rabkin in The Sopranos, veteran actor and longtime theater director Jerry Adler passed away at the age of 96, according to Paradereports.
Despite starting his on-screen playing career in his 60s, Adler died on Saturday, leaving behind a body of work that included both Broadway and television.
Adler was born in Brooklyn, New York, and began his career behind the camera, working as a producer, director, and production stage manager on over 50 Broadway shows, according to Parade.
It was later in life that he turned to acting. In 1991, Adler made his acting debut in a Brooklyn Bridge episode. He next starred in the sitcom Mad About You as Mr. Wicker. After starring in Woody Allen’s 1993 film Manhattan Murder Mystery, his career took off.
Adler’s portrayal of Jewish-American music producer Hesh Rabkin on The Sopranos brought him widespread recognition. In addition, he played Fire Chief Sidney Feinberg in Rescue Me and equity law partner Howard Lyman in The Good Wife.
After learning of his passing, friends and admirers sent their respects on social media. In an article on Xhow Adler had benefited his family, close friend Frank J. Reilly disclosed:
My friend Jerry Adler, a legendary actor, passed away today. He made it possible for my son to gain a position on The Sopranos. My son secured him a position on Rescue Me several years later. To a real one, RIP.
Adler’s professional path was observed by Popstar! creator and editor-in-chief Matthew Rettenmund:
Jerry Adler, rest in peace. He wrote that after working on Broadway musicals since 1950, he began acting in his 60s, continued to act for 28 years, and still had several years left in retirement.
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