Jerry Adler, a prominent figure in Broadway and television, has passed away at the age of 96. He died on Saturday, as confirmed by a family announcement and the Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York. Adler was best known for his role as Hesh Rabkin, the advisor to Tony Soprano, on the acclaimed series "The Sopranos," which aired for six seasons. He also appeared in "The Good Wife" as Howard Lyman, a law partner.

Before transitioning to acting in his 60s, Adler had an extensive career behind the scenes in theater, contributing to 53 Broadway productions as a stage manager, producer, or director. He came from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, particularly in Jewish and Yiddish theater. His father, Philip Adler, served as a general manager for the Group Theatre and various Broadway productions, while his cousin, Stella Adler, was a renowned acting teacher.

In a 2015 interview, Adler humorously referred to himself as a "creature of nepotism," recalling how he got his first job at Syracuse University when his father called him about an opening for an assistant stage manager in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."

Adler's theater career included notable productions such as the original "My Fair Lady" and collaborations with stars like Marlene Dietrich, Julie Andrews, and Richard Burton. However, he left Broadway during the industry's downturn in the 1980s and moved to California, where he worked on television projects, including the soap opera "Santa Barbara."

Reflecting on his career in a 1992 interview, Adler described himself as being in the "twilight of a mediocre career" before a casting opportunity reignited his passion for acting. Donna Isaacson, a casting director and friend of his daughter, encouraged him to audition for a role in "The Public Eye." Director Howard Franklin was impressed by Adler's audition, which led to a successful acting career that spanned over three decades.

Adler's early television role in "Northern Exposure" paved the way for his iconic part in "The Sopranos." He recalled, "When David was going to do the pilot for 'The Sopranos,' he called and asked me if I would do a cameo of Hesh. It was just supposed to be a one-shot. But when they picked up the show, they liked the character, and I would come on every fourth week."

In addition to his television work, Adler appeared in films such as Woody Allen's "Manhattan Murder Mystery." His television credits included roles in "Rescue Me," "Mad About You," and "Transparent," along with guest appearances on shows like "The West Wing" and "Broad City."

Adler returned to Broadway in 2000, performing in Elaine May's "Taller Than a Dwarf," and later appeared in Larry David's play "Fish in the Dark" in 2015. He expressed his love for acting, stating, "I do it because I really enjoy it. I think retirement is a road to nowhere. I wouldn’t know what to do if I were retired."

In 2022, Adler published a memoir titled "Too Funny for Words: Backstage Tales from Broadway, Television and the Movies." He remained active in the industry, stating, "I’m ready to go at a moment’s notice" when asked about future roles. In recent years, he and his wife, Joan Laxman, moved back to New York from Connecticut.

Adler often reflected on the oddity of being recognized after years of working behind the scenes. He once remarked, "I’m immortal," highlighting the lasting impact of his performances captured on film.