Veteran actor Jerry Adler, renowned for his role in 'The Sopranos' and with a long-standing career in Broadway, passes away at the age of 96.
Obituary: Jerry Adler, Beloved Actor and Broadway Veteran, Passes Away at 96
Jerry Adler, a renowned figure in the world of theater and television, has passed away at the age of 96. The news was confirmed by the Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York, with no immediate cause of death given.
Born into an entertainment family with deep roots in Jewish and Yiddish theater, Adler hailed from New York and was the son of Philip Adler, a general manager for the famed Group Theatre and Broadway productions. His cousin, Stella Adler, was a legendary acting teacher.
Before starting his acting career in his 60s, Adler predominantly worked behind the scenes in theater and television as a stage manager and director. He served as a stage manager for soap operas like "Santa Barbara" and directed musicals such as "My Fair Lady" and "Annie".
However, Adler's acting career was not without its humble beginnings. He once thought he was "too goofy-looking" to act, but seeing himself on screen was initially odd. This didn't deter him, as he went on to appear in numerous television shows, including "Rescue Me," "Mad About You," "Transparent," and "The West Wing". He also had guest spots on shows like "Broad City".
Adler's love for the stage never waned, and he returned to Broadway in 2000, this time onstage, in Elaine May's "Taller Than a Dwarf". His Broadway credits included 53 productions, all behind the scenes, serving as a stage manager, producer, or director. Among his acting credits are "The Sopranos", "The Good Wife", and "The West Wing".
In 2015, Adler appeared in Larry David's writing and acting stage debut, "Fish in the Dark". His most recent work was in "The Uncoupling", a play by Neil LaBute, which premiered in 2019.
Adler expressed in multiple interviews that it was strange to be recognized by the public after spending many years working behind the scenes. Despite this, he embraced his newfound fame, once stating, "There was at least one advantage to being preserved on film, according to Adler, as he said, 'I'm immortal.'"
Last year, Adler published a memoir, "Too Funny for Words: Backstage Tales from Broadway, Television and the Movies", offering a glimpse into his fascinating career.
Adler and his wife, Joan Laxman, relocated from Connecticut back to his hometown of New York in recent years. Survivors include Adler's four daughters.
Adler's passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in the world of theater and television. He will be deeply missed by his fans, colleagues, and family.
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