Jerry Adler, ‘Hesh Rabkin’ of The Sopranos, Dies at 96

NEW YORK - Jerry Adler, the veteran actor best known for portraying mob advisor Herman “Hesh” Rabkin on HBO’s landmark series The Sopranos, died peacefully in his sleep Saturday, August 23, at the age of 96, his family confirmed through Riverside Memorial Chapel.

Adler’s unexpected late-in-life acting career began in his early 60s after more than three decades working behind the scenes on Broadway. Born February 4, 1929, in Brooklyn, he served as stage manager, supervisor and director on over 50 Broadway productions, including the original stagings of My Fair Lady (1956) and Annie (1977).

In 1992, a chance casting led Adler to the screen in the thriller The Public Eye. His performance captured the attention of showrunner David Chase, who cast him as Hesh Rabkin, Tony Soprano’s Jewish consigliere, in The Sopranos pilot. The character’s popularity ensured Adler’s presence throughout all six seasons, appearing in 27 episodes alongside James Gandolfini.

Beyond The Sopranos, Adler garnered acclaim for recurring roles as Deputy Chief Sidney Feinberg on FX’s Rescue Me and attorney Howard Lyman on CBS’s The Good Wife. He also authored a memoir, Too Funny for Words: Backstage Tales from Broadway, Television and the Movies, published in 2024.

Adler is survived by his wife, Joan Laxman, and four daughters. A private memorial service will be held at Riverside Memorial Chapel, with a public tribute planned for later this year.