Jerry Adler, a distinguished character actor celebrated for his performances in The Sopranos and The Good Wife, passed away gently while asleep on August 23, 2025, at the age of 96. His family confirmed his passing, noting that he was surrounded by loved ones at his residence in New York City.

Adler enjoyed a career that extended over seventy years, initially working behind the scenes on Broadway before successfully transitioning to on-screen acting in his 60s. At the time of his passing, his net worth was estimated at $4 million.

Jerry Adler’s $4 Million Net Worth Explained

With a flourishing career in the entertainment world, Jerry Adler amassed a net worth of $4 million. His financial success came primarily from his acting roles in television and film, alongside his earlier positions as a Broadway stage manager, director, and producer.

Before moving to on-screen roles later in his career, Adler was involved in over 50 Broadway productions behind the curtain. He was best known for his roles as Hesh Rabkin in The Sopranos and Howard Lyman in The Good Wife, which brought him a steady income over multiple seasons. Additionally, he appeared in films such as Manhattan Murder Mystery and A Most Violent Year.

The Sopranos and Other Major Roles

Adler’s portrayal of Herman “Hesh” Rabkin, the advisor and loan shark to Tony Soprano, across six seasons of the HBO series, became an iconic role. This part significantly contributed to his financial security and placed him firmly in the spotlight of the industry. His involvement in The Good Wife as Howard Lyman was also financially beneficial. Series co-creator Robert King remarked:

“Originally, we intended to have him in just one episode of THE GOOD WIFE. However, he was so hilarious in a diner scene, exclaiming ‘I said ice cream, you stupid b*tch.’ We ended up keeping him for six years on The Good Wife and three additional years on Good Fight. He was one of our cherished collaborators.”

Other recurring roles in shows like Rescue Me and Mad About You added to his earnings.

A Late But Lucrative Acting Career

Jerry Adler began acting unexpectedly in his early 60s after decades of work behind the scenes on Broadway. His breakthrough role in the 1992 film The Public Eye with Joe Pesci opened doors to a new, profitable career. Adler expressed surprise at his success later in life, saying:

“You spend your whole career backstage. Nobody knows who you are or even knows your name. And then you do a television show and suddenly you’re a celebrity and everyone knows your face. It’s so weird.”

This second act provided him with financial security and allowed him to keep working into his 90s.

Legacy and Financial Takeaways

Jerry Adler’s career shows that success can come at any age. His $4 million net worth highlighted his versatility, work ethic, and the lasting impact of his performances. His wealth supported a comfortable life in New York with his wife, psychologist Joan Laxman, whom he married in 199436.