Who Was Jerry Adler? ‘The Good Wife’ & ‘The Sopranos’ Actor Who Debuted at 60, Married Thrice & Dies at 96
Jerry Adler Passes Away at 96
Veteran actor, director, and stage manager Jerry Adler has passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a rich legacy in theatre, television, and film. His family confirmed the news, while his longtime friend Frank J. Reilly expressed condolences on social media, describing Adler as a “great actor and a greater friend.” Who Was Jerry Adler
What makes Adler’s career particularly unique is that he did not step in front of the camera until the age of 60, after decades of working behind the scenes on Broadway. Once he made his acting debut, however, Adler quickly became a recognizable face on television, known for his roles in Brooklyn Bridge, Mad About You, The Sopranos, and The Good Wife.
Let’s take a closer look at the extraordinary life and career of Jerry Adler.
Early Life & Family Roots in Theatre
- Born: 1929
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York City
Jerry Adler was born into a family deeply rooted in the performing arts. His father, Philip Adler, was the manager of New York City’s Group Theatre, a significant institution in the American theatre movement. His great-uncle, Jacob Pavlovich Adler, was a legendary Yiddish theatre actor, and his cousins were also involved in performance and teaching theatre. Who Was Jerry Adler
Growing up in this environment, Jerry was naturally inclined toward the arts. He attended Samuel J. Tilden High School, where he became president of the Dramatic Club, showcasing his early passion for theatre.
Jerry Adler’s Early Career in Theatre
Adler’s professional journey began in the 1950s, not as an actor but as a stage manager and production supervisor. His first credited work was as an assistant stage manager for the Broadway musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1950).
Over the decades, Adler contributed to a wide range of productions, taking on roles such as:
- Stage Manager
- Production Supervisor
- Director
- Producer
Some of the most notable Broadway productions he worked on include:
- Of Thee I Sing
- My Fair Lady (for which he earned a Drama Desk Award nomination as director)
- The Apple Tree
- Black Comedy/White Lies
- Dear World
- Coco
- 6 Rms Riv Vu
- Annie
- I Remember Mama
For nearly four decades, Jerry Adler was a behind-the-scenes force who ensured productions ran seamlessly. His contribution to Broadway cemented his reputation as a theatre veteran. Who Was Jerry Adler
Transition to Acting at Age 60
Unlike most actors, Jerry Adler’s on-screen career began relatively late in life. In his 60s, he made his acting debut in the early 1990s with the CBS sitcom Brooklyn Bridge, created by Gary David Goldberg. His natural charisma and ability to embody diverse characters quickly caught the attention of audiences and casting directors. Who Was Jerry Adler
His breakout role came when he played Mr. Wicker in Mad About You, a popular sitcom that introduced him to mainstream television viewers.
Notable Television Roles
Over the years, Jerry Adler appeared in some of the most iconic television series of modern times.
1. The Sopranos (1999–2007)
Adler became widely recognized for his role as Herman “Hesh” Rabkin, a Jewish music producer and trusted adviser to Tony Soprano. His recurring role across seven years made him a beloved character in one of HBO’s greatest series of all time.
2. The Good Wife (2009–2016)
Adler appeared in the legal drama The Good Wife, where his performances once again reminded audiences of his versatility as a character actor. Who Was Jerry Adler
3. Other TV Roles
- Hudson Street
- Rescue Me
- Transparent
- Brooklyn Bridge (debut role)
- Mad About You (Mr. Wicker)
Adler was praised for his ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role, whether comedic, dramatic, or advisory.
Film Career
In addition to television, Jerry Adler also appeared in several Hollywood films:
- Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) – Directed by Woody Allen
- In Her Shoes (2005) – Co-starring Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette
- Prime (2005) – Alongside Uma Thurman and Meryl Streep
His film roles, though fewer compared to his theatre and TV work, further showcased his ability to adapt to different mediums of performance. Who Was Jerry Adler
Jerry Adler’s Personal Life
Jerry Adler was known to be a private individual outside of his professional career. However, reports suggest that he was married three times: Who Was Jerry Adler
- First Marriage (1950s): Dolores Parker – The couple reportedly had three children together.
- Second Marriage: Cathy Rice – This marriage was short-lived.
- Third Marriage (1994): Joan Laxman – Jerry remained married to Joan until his death in 2025.
Despite being a public figure, Adler rarely shared details about his personal relationships, preferring to keep family life away from the spotlight.
Jerry Adler’s Net Worth
As per multiple reports, including Mabumbe, Jerry Adler’s net worth was estimated to be around USD $8 million at the time of his death. Who Was Jerry Adler
His wealth came not only from his acting career but also from decades of work on Broadway as a stage manager, production supervisor, and director.
Tributes & Legacy
Jerry Adler’s passing has left a void in both theatre and television. His colleagues and fans remember him as a man of immense talent, wit, and humility. Who Was Jerry Adler
- His Broadway contributions remind us of the unsung heroes behind the curtain who make theatre magical.
- His television career stands as proof that it’s never too late to follow a new path in life. Starting at 60 and becoming a recognizable face on prime-time TV is nothing short of inspirational.
- His performances in The Sopranos and The Good Wife remain etched in pop culture history.
Final Thoughts
Jerry Adler’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and reinvention. From his roots in a family steeped in theatre, to decades of behind-the-scenes work, to finally stepping into the spotlight at an age when most actors slow down, Adler redefined what it means to have a “second act” in life. Who Was Jerry Adler
At 96 years old, his journey came to an end, but his contributions to the arts will continue to inspire generations.
We extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans worldwide. May his soul rest in peace.