Jerry Adler, a Broadway veteran and acclaimed Jewish actor best known for his role as consigliere Herman (“Hesh”) Rabkin on HBO drama “The Sopranos,” died on Aug. 23, his family announced. He was 96 years old.
Born in 1929 in Brooklyn, N.Y., Adler came from a prominent theatrical family and spent decades behind the scenes on Broadway before launching his acting career in his 60s.
His Broadway credits included working on “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “My Fair Lady” and “The Apple Tree.” He also directed the 1976 revival of “My Fair Lady,” earning a Drama Desk Award nomination.
On TV, he became recognized for his portrayal of Jewish characters. In addition to “The Sopranos,” he appeared in “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight” as Howard Lyman, as Rabbi Alan Schulman in “Northern Exposure,” as well as held other roles on “Mad About You,” “Rescue Me” and “Transparent.”
Adler passed away at his New York home, his family said.
He is survived by his wife, psychologist Joan Laxman, whom the actor married in 1994.
