Jerry Adler, a beloved American actor, theater director, and producer, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with iconic roles such as Herman “Hesh” Rabkin in The Sopranos and Howard Lyman in The Good Wife. While his professional achievements are well-documented, his personal life, particularly his early marriage, remains a topic of curiosity for fans. This article explores the details of Jerry Adler’s first wife, his early marriage, and the circumstances surrounding his passing in 2025.

Jerry Adler’s First Wife: Dolores Parker

Jerry Adler’s first wife was Dolores Parkerwhom he married on June 6, 1950. The couple’s union marked the beginning of Adler’s family life, which included the birth of their three children. Despite their shared journey, the marriage eventually ended in divorce, though specific details about the reasons for their separation or the exact date of the divorce remain private, as Adler kept much of his personal life out of the public eye.

Dolores Parker is not widely documented in public records beyond her association with Adler, reflecting the private nature of their relationship. During this period, Adler was deeply immersed in his theater career, working as a stage manager for notable Broadway productions like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and My Fair Lady. His demanding career in the theater may have shaped the dynamics of his early family life, though little is known about Parker’s own professional or personal endeavors.

A Look at Jerry Adler’s Early Marriage

Adler’s marriage to Dolores Parker occurred when he was just 21 years old, a time when he was beginning to carve out a career in the theater world. Born on February 4, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, Adler grew up in a family steeped in theatrical tradition. His father, Philip Adler, was a general manager for the Group Theatre, and his cousins, Stella Adler and Luther Adler, were prominent figures in acting and theater education. This environment likely influenced his early professional choices and his decision to start a family at a young age.

The marriage to Parker produced three children, though their identities and personal details have been kept private, in line with Adler’s preference for maintaining a low profile regarding his family. The demands of Adler’s career, which involved working behind the scenes on Broadway and later transitioning to acting, may have contributed to the challenges of sustaining the marriage. After their divorce, Adler went on to marry twice more, first to Cathy Rice in 1978 (also ending in divorce) and later to Joan Laxman in 1994, with whom he remained until his death.

Jerry Adler’s Career and Late-Blooming Stardom

While Adler’s early marriage to Dolores Parker coincided with his formative years in theater, his acting career didn’t take off until much later. Despite his family’s theatrical legacy, Adler didn’t step into the spotlight as an actor until his early 60s. His first screen appearance came in 1991 on the CBS sitcom Brooklyn Bridgefollowed by roles in films like Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) and TV shows such as Mad About You, Rescue Meand The Sopranos. His portrayal of Hesh Rabkin, the wise and shrewd consigliere to Tony Soprano, became one of his most memorable roles, earning him widespread recognition.

Adler’s late start in acting didn’t hinder his success. He appeared in nearly 30 episodes of The Good Wife as Howard Lyman, a role that was initially intended as a one-off but grew into a nine-season run due to his comedic brilliance. His versatility also shone in films like In Her Shoes (2005), Prime (2005), and Driveways (2019), showcasing his ability to bring depth to diverse characters.

Jerry Adler’s Death in 2025

Jerry Adler passed away on August 23, 2025at the age of 96 in New York City, surrounded by loved ones. His death was confirmed by his family and close friend Frank J. Reilly, who shared a heartfelt tribute on X: “The great actor, my friend Jerry Adler died today at the age of 96. You know him from one of his iconic roles… Not bad for a guy who didn’t start acting until he was 65.” The cause of death was not publicly disclosed, but his passing marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned over seven decades in theater, film, and television.