The television community recently bid farewell to Jerry Adler, a seasoned actor whose presence in The Sopranos helped shape the show’s layered world. At the age of 96, Adler passed away peacefully, leaving behind a career that spanned stage, film, and television — a true craftsman whose contributions extended far beyond the crime drama that brought him late-life fame.
On The Sopranos, Adler played Herman “Hesh” Rabkin, an old friend and advisor to Tony Soprano. Unlike Tony’s capos or rivals, Hesh wasn’t tied to the mob through blood or sworn loyalty, but his wisdom and financial savvy made him an invaluable figure in Tony’s circle. He embodied the show’s ability to blur lines between business, crime, and friendship, giving viewers a fuller picture of how power really operated in the Soprano world.
Fans loved Hesh because he wasn’t just another gangster — he was part historian, part conscience, and part critic of Tony himself. His scenes often grounded the narrative, offering perspective that the hot-headed mobsters around Tony lacked. It was Adler’s understated performance that made Hesh feel authentic, as though he had truly lived in that world for decades before the cameras began rolling.
Off screen, Adler was a veteran of Broadway and television, with credits spanning decades of American entertainment. Colleagues who worked with him remembered not only his professionalism but also his warmth and humor. When news of his death spread, tributes poured in from fellow actors, Sopranos alumni, and fans alike, many recalling favorite moments with his character and reflecting on how much depth he brought to the series.
Adler’s passing feels like the closing of a chapter. The Sopranos ended over 15 years ago, but for its devoted fans, the show lives on as one of the greatest achievements in television history. Losing another member of the cast is a reminder that time moves forward, but the legacy of both the series and the actors who shaped it will remain timeless.
