Jerry Adler, the well-regarded character actor famous for roles in The Sopranos and The Good Wife, died peacefully in his sleep on August 23, 2025, at the age of 96. His passing was confirmed by his family, who shared that he was surrounded by loved ones at his New York City home.

Adler’s career, which lasted over seven decades, began behind the curtain on Broadway before he transitioned to successful on-screen roles in his 60s. At his time of passing, his estimated net worth was $4 million.

Jerry Adler’s $4 Million Net Worth Explained

Jerry Adler amassed a net worth of $4 million through a flourishing entertainment career. His wealth primarily stemmed from his acting in television and film, in addition to his earlier work as a Broadway stage manager, director, and producer.

Adler appeared in over 50 Broadway productions behind the scenes before moving to on-screen acting later in life. His most notable roles included Hesh Rabkin in The Sopranos and Howard Lyman in The Good Wife, both of which provided steady income over many seasons. He also earned from film appearances in projects like Manhattan Murder Mystery and A Most Violent Year.

The Sopranos and Other Major Roles

Adler’s role as Herman “Hesh” Rabkin, Tony Soprano’s advisor and loan shark, across all six seasons of the HBO series became one of his most memorable parts. This long-running role greatly contributed to his financial stability and recognition in the industry. His work on The Good Wife as Howard Lyman also proved to be financially rewarding. Series co-creator Robert King noted:

“The intent was only to have him on one episode of THE GOOD WIFE. But he was so funny in a diner scene, yelling ‘I said ice cream, you stupid b*tch’. We had him back for six years of Good Wife and three years of Good Fight. One of our favorite 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.