Adler

Jerry Adler Biography

Jerry Adler was a renowned American actor, theatrical producer, and director, celebrated for his extensive work in film, television, and theater. He gained particular fame for his memorable roles in television series such as Herman "Hesh" Rabkin in The Sopranos, Howard Lyman on The Good Wife and its spin-off The Good Fight, and for his roles in films including Manhattan Murder Mystery, The Public Eye, and In Her Shoes. Adler’s career saw an unusual trajectory, as he transitioned from a decades-long behind-the-scenes theater career into acting later in life, becoming a beloved character actor on screen well into his nineties.

Childhood

Jerry Adler was born on February 4, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York. He was raised in a prominent Jewish family with deep roots in the theater world. His family originally emigrated from Galicia, now part of Ukraine. Adler grew up in a Yiddish-speaking household that was observant of Jewish traditions. He was the son of Philip Adler, a theater manager known for his work on Broadway and touring shows, and Pauline "Polly" Goldberg. Coming from the famous Adler family, he was closely related to notable figures in the Yiddish theater, including his great-uncle Jacob Pavlovich Adler and cousins Stella and Luther Adler, both acclaimed actors in their own right.

Education

Jerry Adler attended Samuel J. Tilden High School in Brooklyn, where he showed an early interest in drama, serving as president of the school’s Dramatic Club. He went on to further his education at Syracuse University. Although his primary education was conventional, his family environment and immersion in theater life provided him specialized informal training and exposure to theatrical arts from a young age, setting the foundation for his future career in theater production and acting.

Career

Adler’s career began in the theater as a stage manager in 1950, working on notable productions such as Of Thee I Sing and My Fair Lady. Over the decades, he expanded his expertise into production supervision and directing, contributing to over 50 stage shows including famous names like The Apple Tree and Harold Pinter's The Homecoming. His directing debut came in 1974, and among his highlights was the 1976 revival of My Fair Lady. Later, he transitioned to television acting with his first role in 1991 on Brooklyn Bridge. Starting in his early sixties, Adler built a distinguished acting career, appearing in TV shows and movies consistently until late in life. His portrayal of Hesh Rabkin on The Sopranos remains one of his most iconic roles, spanning from 1999 to 2007, after which he continued to be a regular on series such as The Good Wife and The Good Fight.

Family Life

Jerry Adler was married multiple times, including to Joan Laxman, Catherine B. "Cathy" Rice, and Dolores Bove. Details about his children and other partners indicate that he moved to Los Angeles later in life to be closer to his children. Despite his busy professional life, family connections remained important to him, influencing at times his geographic and career decisions.

Achievements

Throughout his career, Adler achieved acclaim as both a stage manager and director in theater, earning a Drama Desk Award nomination for the 1976 revival of My Fair Lady. His transition to acting brought him notable roles that showcased his versatility and charm, particularly in complex character roles on television. Adler’s contribution to theater and television spans more than five decades, making him a respected and beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Controversies

Jerry Adler’s career and public life remained largely free of significant controversies. He maintained a professional reputation focused on his art, and no major disputes or scandals are recorded regarding his personal or professional life.

Jerry Adler Summary

Jerry Adler was a distinguished figure in American theater and television known for his late blooming yet highly impactful acting career and his significant contributions to theatrical production and direction. Born into a family with a deep theatrical lineage, he nurtured his talent across multiple facets of the entertainment industry. Adler's legacy rests on his memorable roles in television and film, his influential work behind the scenes in theater, and his enduring commitment to the arts until his passing in August 2025 at the age of 96.