New York — Jerry Adler, recognized for his extensive behind-the-scenes contributions to Broadway, transitioned to acting later in life, passing away at 96. The news of Adler’s death came from a family announcement confirmed by Riverside Memorial Chapel.

Adler’s career spanned decades in theater before he ventured into television and film in his sixties. He gained fame for his television roles, notably as Hesh Rabkin in “The Sopranos” and Howard Lyman in “The Good Wife.” Prior to his on-screen success, Adler was instrumental in the production of 53 Broadway shows, working behind the curtains as a stage manager, producer, and director.

Coming from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, Adler’s lineage includes his father, Philip Adler, who managed productions at the renowned Group Theatre, as well as his cousin, Stella Adler, a celebrated acting instructor. In an earlier interview, Adler acknowledged his family’s influence, humorously remarking on the advantages of nepotism in his career journey.

Before his breakout into acting, Adler was heavily involved in Broadway, contributing to notable productions, including the original run of “My Fair Lady.” However, in the 1980s, as Broadway faced a downturn, he found himself in California, exploring opportunities in television such as the soap opera “Santa Barbara.”

Adler’s shift to acting was somewhat serendipitous. A casting director suggested he audition for a role in “The Public Eye,” marking the beginning of a thriving career in front of the camera that lasted over three decades. His compelling audition caught the attention of filmmakers, leading to roles in projects like “Northern Exposure,” setting the stage for his later work on “The Sopranos.”

While Adler starred in various films, including Woody Allen’s “Manhattan Murder Mystery,” it was his television appearances that garnered him recognition. His versatile talent led him to guest roles on popular shows such as “Rescue Me,” “Mad About You,” and “Transparent,” among others.

Adler made a return to Broadway, this time as a performer, in Elaine May’s play “Taller Than a Dwarf” in 2000 and was seen in Larry David’s “Fish in the Dark” in 2015. Reflecting on his passion for acting, he once remarked that he had no intention of retiring, embracing the joy of continued involvement in theater.

Last year, Adler released a memoir titled “Too Funny for Words: Backstage Tales from Broadway, Television and the Movies,” sharing anecdotes and insights from his remarkable career. He expressed a readiness to embrace any acting opportunities that arose, affirming his commitment to his craft.

Despite initially feeling self-conscious about his appearance on screen, Adler found humor in his newfound fame and acknowledged the unique experience of being recognized after decades spent primarily behind the scenes. He underscored the unexpected advantages of being captured on film, jokingly declaring that it afforded him a sense of immortality.

Adler’s legacy as a performer and theater contributor will be fondly remembered by colleagues and audiences alike, leaving an indelible mark on both Broadway and television history.