Jerry Adler, best known for his roles in The Sopranos and The Good Wife, has sadly passed away at the age of 96.
His family confirmed the news in an obituary, writing, “Jerry Adler passed away on August 23, 2025, at the age of 96. Born on February 4, 1929, Jerry was a resident of New York, New York.”
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Actor and friend Frank J. Reilly paid tribute on X, sharing several photos along with the message, “The great actor, my friend Jerry Adler died today at the age of 96. You know him from one of his iconic roles had from many of his guest appearances. Not bad for a guy who didn’t start acting until he was 65.”
Indeed, he began his on-screen career later in life, making his acting debut in the 1991 TV series Brooklyn Bridge at age 62. He landed his first major film role in Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery in 1993, before appearing in a number of sitcoms throughout the 1990s.
In 1999, he took on his most iconic role as Herman “Hesh” Rabkin, a trusted advisor to Tony Soprano (played by the late James Gandolfini), on the acclaimed HBO series The Sopranos. He remained on the show until its final season in 2007.
Following his time on The Sopranos, he starred as Howard Lyman on The Good Wife from 2011 until 2016, appearing in 30 episodes. He later reprised the role in The Good Fight. Series co-creator Robert King recalled on X that the actor was initially cast for just one episode but ended up staying for years after a memorable diner scene.
His final credited role was in the 2019 revival of Mad About You.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Laxman. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
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