Jerry Adler, a Broadway veteran turned acclaimed television actor, passed away Saturday in New York City at the age of 96, according to the Riverside Memorial Chapel. Before stepping in front of the camera, Adler built a remarkable career behind the scenes, serving as the stage manager for the original production of “My Fair Lady.” His early work in theater laid the foundation for decades of contributions to the performing arts.
In addition to his Broadway achievements, Adler became a familiar face on television, appearing in iconic series such as “The Sopranos,” “The Good Wife,” and “Rescue Me.” Known for his versatility and gravitas, he left an indelible mark on both stage and screen.
A Veteran Performer: Jerry Adler’s Acting Legacy
Jerry Adler’s career spanned decades and multiple facets of the entertainment industry, from Broadway stages to acclaimed television roles. Born into the renowned Adler family of theater professionals in Brooklyn, New York, he was steeped in performance from an early age. Influenced by his father, a theater manager, and his great-uncle, Yiddish theater actor Jacob Pavlovich Adler, Jerry began his career behind the scenes as a stage manager in 1950.
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He worked on landmark productions including “Of Thee I Sing” and “My Fair Lady,” eventually serving as production supervisor and director on shows like “The Apple Tree,” “Coco,” and the 1976 revival of “My Fair Lady,” which earned him a Drama Desk Award nomination.
Adler transitioned to acting relatively late, making his first screen appearance in 1991 on the television series “Brooklyn Bridge.” Soon after, he appeared in films like “The Public Eye” and “Manhattan Murder Mystery.” His television career flourished with guest and recurring roles, including Alan Schulman on “Northern Exposure,” Mr. Wicker on “Mad About You,” and Bob Saget’s father, Sam Stewart, on “Raising Dad.” These roles set the stage for what would become his most iconic character: Herman “Hesh” Rabkin on The Sopranos, a role he played from 1999 to 2007, earning widespread recognition.
Beyond “The Sopranos,” Adler continued to build a diverse television resume. He portrayed Howard Lyman on “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight,” Fire Chief Sidney Feinberg on “Rescue Me,” Moshe Pfefferman on “Transparent,” Saul Horowitz on “Broad City,” and Hillston on “Living with Yourself.” He also made memorable guest appearances on “The West Wing,” “’Til Death,” and other series. His film credits during this period included “In Her Shoes,” “Prime,” and “A Most Violent Year,” in which he starred alongside Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac.
Even in the later stages of his career, Adler remained active on both stage and screen. He returned to Broadway for Larry David’s play “Fish in the Dark” and shared his decades of experience in his 2024 memoir, “Too Funny for Words: Backstage Tales from Broadway, Television and the Movies.” Adler’s body of work reflected a remarkable versatility, bridging theater, television, and film while leaving an enduring impact on generations of audiences and colleagues alike.
