In a poignant farewell, Jerry Adler, the celebrated late-blooming actor known for his unforgettable role as Hesh on "The Sopranos," has died at the age of 96.

Adler's passing was confirmed by his close friend Frank J. Reilly on social media, who shared heartfelt sentiments: "The great actor, my friend Jerry Adler died today... You know him from one of his iconic roles and many guest appearances. He was instrumental in helping my son land a job on "The Sopranos," and years later, my son returned the favor. RIP to a true talent."

A Life in Theatre Before the Screen

Born on February 4, 1929, in New York City, Adler grew up in a theatrical environment, with his father managing Broadway theaters and touring productions. He joined the family business in 1950, taking on roles like stage manager for prestigious shows including the classic "My Fair Lady" in 1956.

His talent extended beyond management; Adler dabbled in directing and helmed productions such as "Words and Music" (1974) and a revival of "My Fair Lady" in 1976.

An Acting Breakthrough at Sixty

Remarkably, Adler didn't step into the acting spotlight until he was in his sixties, a fact astonishing given his expressive face and magnetic presence on screen.

His career exploded from 1991 onwards, racking up over 60 credits in films and television. Notable roles included Mr. Wicker on the hit show "Mad About You" from 1993 to 1999, and a significant part in Woody Allen's "Manhattan Murder Mystery" in 1993.

Memorable Roles and Lasting Legacy

Adler is perhaps best known for his role as the Jewish mob advisor Herman "Hesh" Rabkin on "The Sopranos" (1999-2007), where he cast a lasting impression as a close confidant of Tony Soprano, brought to life by the late James Gandolfini.

His talents didn’t go unnoticed, as he went on to portray Sidney Feinberg on "Rescue Me" from 2007 to 2011, and delivered sharp comedic performances as the politically incorrect Howard Lyman on both "The Good Wife" (2011-2016) and its spinoff, "The Good Fight" (2017-2018).

Adler concluded his illustrious acting career with memorable guest appearances on shows like "Broad City" (2019), "Transparent" (2017-2019), and the revival of "Mad About You" in 2019.

Jerry Adler's journey from theater maestro to beloved television icon serves as an inspiring testament to the power of talent and timing. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of fans around the world.