Goodbye to a New York Legend: Jerry Adler, Star of 'The Sopranos', Passes Away at 96

Veteran actor Jerry Adler, best known for his role as Herman "Hesh" Rabkin in the iconic HBO series The Sopranos, passed away at the age of 96. A lifelong New Yorker, Adler died peacefully in the city he loved, surrounded by his family.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/GettyImages-147604102.jpg?w=726" alt="Jerry Adler attends "The Sopranos" Final Season World Premiere Red Carpet at Radio City Music Hall in NYC on March 27, 2007.">

Adler's Impact:

His portrayal of the shrewd and often hilarious Jewish consigliere, Hesh, cemented his place in television history. He appeared in 28 episodes across all six seasons, contributing many memorable lines, including the classic, "A hit is a hit." Beyond The Sopranos, Adler's impressive career included roles in The Good Wife, Rescue Me, Manhattan Murder Mystery, and Synechdoche, New York.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/sopranos-season-2-vincent-pastore-61404950.jpg?w=692" alt="Vincent Pastore, James Gandolfini, Tony Sirico, Michael Imperioli, Jerry Adler during season two of "The Sopranos.">

A Remarkable Career:

Adler's journey began on Broadway, where he served as stage manager for the original production of My Fair Lady. His later success in television, a stark contrast to his early career spent largely backstage, left him reflecting on the unexpected nature of fame: "You spend your whole career backstage…And then you do a television show and suddenly you’re a celebrity and everyone knows your face. It’s so weird."

His colleagues remember him for his talent and charisma, with The Good Wife showrunner Robert King noting how Adler's comedic timing led to him being a recurring character after an initially planned single-episode appearance.

A New York Legacy:

Jerry Adler leaves behind a rich legacy in the world of acting and a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers and Sopranos fans alike.