Hesh Bids Goodbye: Jerry Adler, a Late-Blooming Legend, Dies at 96

Jerry Adler, whose defining role as Hesh Rabkin in The Sopranos made him a fan favorite, passed away at 96. Before that, he spent years on Broadway managing landmark shows like My Fair Lady. His transition to acting in his 60s was unexpected—but decades of nuanced performances on TV and film solidified his place in pop culture. Colleagues remember him for his impeccable comedic timing and presence. His friend Frank J. Reilly shared poignant words on X: “The great actor… died today at the age of 96.” Adler’s journey proves it’s never too late to shine.