Jerry Adler, the beloved character actor who graced our screens in The Sopranos and The Good Wife, lived a life as rich and multifaceted off-screen as any role he played. While his professional acclaim came later in life, his personal world was built around a close-knit family, three marriages, and a legacy that extended to his children and grandchildren. News of his passing at age 96 on August 23, 2025, was confirmed by his family and close friend Frank J. Reilly, casting a spotlight on the man behind the iconic characters.
Adler’s personal life was a testament to finding love and building a family across different chapters of his long life. He was married three times. His first marriage was to Dolores Parker, with whom he had three kids. Though details of their relationship remain private, their union formed the foundation of his early family life. Following his divorce from Dolores, Jerry married his second wife, Cathy Rice, in March 1978. Like his first marriage, this chapter was also relatively private, and it ultimately ended in divorce.
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The most enduring and public partnership of his life began on July 3, 1994, when he married psychologist and equestrian Joan Laxman. For over three decades, Joan was his steadfast partner and greatest support system. They shared a life filled with shared interests, initially settling in a home in Roxbury, Connecticut, that featured equestrian facilities to accommodate Joan’s love for horses. In 2017, seeking a simpler, more urban lifestyle, the couple moved to New York City’s Upper West Side, where they lived until his passing.
A Lasting Legacy: Jerry Adler’s Children and Grandkids
Jerry Adler was a devoted family man whose kids and grandchildren were a central part of his world. From his first marriage to Dolores Parker, he had three children. While not all are in the public eye, his daughter, Laura Adler, forged a successful career as a casting director for television series like Better Off Ted and American Dreams. Another daughter, Lisa, played a surprisingly pivotal role in her father’s life. It was her childhood friend, casting director Donna Isaacson, who gave Jerry his first major break by offering him a role in the 1992 film The Public Eye alongside Joe Pesci. This fateful connection launched his acting career in his sixties.
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The family’s artistic legacy continues into the next generation. Jerry’s grandson, Joe Adler, the son of his daughter Alisa, is a budding actor himself. Born in 1993, Joe has appeared in projects like The Maze Runner film series, Grey’s Anatomy, and Twin Peaks. This passing of the creative torch would have undoubtedly been a source of great pride for Jerry. The Adler family was already steeped in theatrical history; Jerry was the son of Broadway manager Philip Adler and a cousin of the legendary acting teacher Stella Adler and actor Luther Adler. His own children and grandkids have proudly extended that illustrious family tradition.
Ultimately, Jerry Adler’s story is about more than his memorable on-screen presence. It’s a story of a rich family life, built over nearly a century, marked by love, partnership, and a creative spirit that has been passed down through generations. He is survived by his wife, Joan Laxman, his kids, and his grandchildren, who will continue to carry his memory forward.
