The entertainment world is in mourning once again, after the news of the death of iconic actor Jerry Adler was announced, famous for his roles in productions such as The Sopranos and A Most Violent Year. The passing of the actor was confirmed by his family. Here is everything we know about it.
How did Jerry Adler die?
According to initial reports, the actor passed away on Saturday, August 23, at his home in New York. The cause of death has not been revealed; however, a family representative stated that Jerry died peacefully in his sleep. They also mentioned that he spent his final moments surrounded by his loved ones.
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How old was Jerry Adler?
At the time of his death, Adler was 96 years old.
What was Jerry Adler’s net worth?
Jerry Adler’s net worth is currently estimated at $4 million. His income mainly came from his long career as an actor, which spanned several decades.
Who was Jerry Adler?
Jerry Adler, born on February 4, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, comes from the renowned Adler theatrical family. The son of Pauline and Philip Adler, he grew up in a Yiddish-speaking Jewish household surrounded by artists and theater professionals. Among his relatives was the famous actress and acting teacher Stella Adler, which influenced his early interest in theater. During his teenage years, he attended Samuel J. Tilden High School, where he began to consolidate his passion for the performing arts.
Adler started his professional career in theater, following in his father’s footsteps as a director and producer. In the 1950s, he worked on notable productions such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Sing to Me, and My Fair Lady. Over the years, he supervised numerous Broadway productions, including The Apple Tree, Dear World, Coco, and Annie. In 1974, he directed Sammy Cahn’s revue Words and Music, and two years later, he led the first Broadway revival of My Fair Lady. Although some projects, like The Little Prince and the Aviator, were not successful, his contribution to theater remained strong and consistent.
His television career began with appearances in series such as Brooklyn Bridge, True Colors, and Quantum Leap, but he gained widespread recognition with Mad About You (1993-1999), where he played the superintendent Mr. Wicker. Later, Adler had leading roles in comedies like Hudson Street and Alright Already, and he achieved his most iconic role as Hesh Rabkin in HBO’s The Sopranos, appearing throughout all six seasons until 2007 as Tony Soprano’s advisor and loan officer.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Adler alternated between recurring and guest roles in series such as Raising Dad, The West Wing, Rescue Me, The Good Wife, and Transparent, demonstrating his versatility and longevity in television.
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In film, he debuted in 1992 with The Public Eye and appeared in works by Woody Allen, Sidney Lumet, and Charlie Kaufman, including Manhattan Murder Mystery, Find Me Guilty, and Synecdoche, New York. His filmography spans comedy, drama, and thrillers, showcasing his adaptability and dedication to each role.
In his personal life, Adler married psychologist Joan Laxman in 1994. The couple lived in Roxbury, Connecticut, before moving to a Manhattan apartment on the Upper West Side in 2017, maintaining a low profile while he continued his artistic career.
Jerry Adler’s Best Movies
Throughout his career, Jerry Adler played memorable characters, ranging from authoritative figures to comedic roles, leaving a mark in every project he joined. Here are some of his most notable films:
- The Sopranos (1999-2007): Although better known for television, his role in this iconic series also stood out in cinematic adaptations and specials. He played Hesh Rabkin, a close advisor and friend to the Soprano family, adding depth and credibility to the organized crime world.
- The Siege (1998): In this action-thriller, Adler portrayed a key character in a plot centered on terrorist attacks in New York, contributing to the constant tension that keeps viewers on edge.
- A Civil Action (1998): Based on real events, Adler played one of the lawyers involved in a complex environmental lawsuit.
- Inside Llewyn Davis (2013): Though his role was brief, Adler’s presence added authenticity to this musical drama set in 1960s Greenwich Village.
- Two Family House (2000): In this independent drama, Adler played a neighbor observing the changes in the main family, delivering a subtle yet effective performance.