Jerry Adler, who found a later-in-life second career as an actor and landed a memorable role on "The Sopranos," has died. He was 96.

A representative confirmed to USA TODAY on Sunday, Aug. 24, that the actor "passed peacefully in his sleep." He is survived by his four daughters.

Adler starred as Herman "Hesh" Rabkin, an adviser to Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), on "The Sopranos." He debuted in the role in the acclaimed HBO series' first episode in 1999 and continued playing the character through the final season.

Adler previously worked as a stage manager and theater director, but he didn't have his first acting role until he was in his 60s and appeared on the sitcom "Brooklyn Bridge" in 1991.

In his 2024 memoir "Too Funny for Words," Adler explained that he was recruited for the role by Julia Louis-Dreyfus' husband Brad Hall, who "stopped me one day" and asked if he was an actor.

"I told him who I was, and he explained he was doing a pilot called 'Brooklyn Bridge' and he needed one more character for it," he wrote in the book.

"It consisted of four guys playing cards around a table and I wouldn't have more than a couple of lines to learn. The whole thing would be done over the weekend when everyone was available. I agreed, thought it would be interesting, and since my weekend was free, I did it. It was my first acting assignment in what would become a second career."

Adler went on to act in shows like "Quantum Leap" and "Northern Exposure," the latter of which was produced by David Chase, who would later create "The Sopranos." In his book, Adler said Chase called and asked him to play a part in the "Sopranos" pilot that was initially described as a cameo.

Adler also appeared in movies like "Synecdoche, New York," "The Angriest Man in Brooklyn" and "A Most Violent Year," and he had a recurring role as Howard Lyman on "The Good Wife" and its spinoff "The Good Fight." His other television credits include "Mad About You," "Raising Dad" and "Transparent."

In a tribute on X, "The Good Wife" creator Robert King recalled that Adler was only meant to be in one episode of the show but was "so funny" that he was brought back for more. "One of our favorite collaborators," King added.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jerry Adler of 'The Sopranos,' who found second career as actor, dies at 96

Reporting by Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect