Jerry Adler, Beloved Actor from ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘The Good Wife,’ Dies at 96
New York, NY – Jerry Adler, the esteemed character actor recognized for his memorable roles as Herman ‘Hesh’ Rabkin in HBO’s “The Sopranos” and Howard Lyman in CBS’s “The Good Wife,” has passed away at the age of 96. His family confirmed he died on Saturday, August 23, 2025, in his long-time residence of New York, New York. Adler is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Laxman.
Born on February 4, 1929, Jerry Adler forged a remarkable path in Hollywood, embarking on his acting career later in life. Despite his advanced age, he made his onscreen debut at 62 in the 1991 TV series “Brooklyn Bridge.” Just two years later, he secured his first major film role in Woody Allen’s “Manhattan Murder Mystery.” His friend, Frank J. Reilly, noted on X (formerly Twitter) that Adler truly began his acting journey around 65, praising his numerous iconic and guest appearances. The 1990s saw him further expand his filmography with roles in shows like “Alright Already” and “Hudson Street.”
A Trusted Confidante in “The Sopranos”
Adler’s most iconic character arrived at the close of the decade with “The Sopranos.” From its pilot episode in 1999 until the final season in 2007, Adler inhabited the role of Herman ‘Hesh’ Rabkin, a shrewd and trusted Jewish financial advisor and loan shark to mob boss Tony Soprano, portrayed by the late James Gandolfini. Hesh’s calm demeanor and practical counsel made him a crucial confidante and a fan favorite throughout the show’s eight-year run.
From Mob Advisor to Legal Maverick in “The Good Wife”
Following his impactful tenure on “The Sopranos,” Adler seamlessly transitioned to another significant role as Howard Lyman in the acclaimed legal drama “The Good Wife.” He starred in 30 episodes of the series from 2011 until its conclusion in 2016. His portrayal of the often cantankerous and comically blunt senior partner was so well-received that he reprised the role for two episodes in the spin-off series, “The Good Fight,” in 2017 and 2018. Robert King, executive producer of both shows, shared an anecdote on X, revealing that Adler was initially only slated for a single appearance on “The Good Wife.” However, his comedic brilliance in a diner scene, where he memorably yelled, ‘I said ice cream, you stupid b—–,’ led to him being cast as a series regular for six years on “The Good Wife” and three years on “The Good Fight,” cementing his status as “one of our favorite collaborators.”
A Legacy of Late-Blooming Talent
Adler’s final credited performance was in the eighth revival season of the sitcom “Mad About You” in 2019, bringing his distinguished career to a close after nearly three decades. His passing comes after the deaths of former co-stars; Charley Scalies, known for “The Wire” and “The Sopranos,” died in May at 84 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, and James Gandolfini, his on-screen confidant, suffered a fatal heart attack at 51 in 2013. Jerry Adler leaves behind a legacy defined by his remarkable talent, his dedication to his craft, and a late-blooming career that captivated audiences across generations.
