Background
Adler was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Pauline and Philip Adler, who was a general manager of the Group Theatre.
Adler was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Pauline and Philip Adler, who was a general manager of the Group Theatre.
He was raised in an observant Jewish household. Adler began his theatre career as a stage manager in 1951, working on such productions as Of Thee I Sing and My Fair Lady before becoming a production supervisor for The Apple Tree, Black Comedy/White Lies, Dear World, Coco, 6 Rms Riv Vu, Annie, and I Remember Mama, among others He also directed the 1976 play Checking Out.
As an actor, Adler is perhaps best known for his roles as Herman "Hesh" Rabkin in The Sopranos, Mr.
Wicker in Mad About You, Lieutenant First Rate (at Lloyd's) Teischler in Hudson Street, and Howard Lyman in The Good Wife.
He made three appearances on Northern Exposure as Alan Schulman, Joel Fleischman"s old neighborhood rabbi seen in visions. His screen credits include In Her Shoes, Manhattan Murder Mystery, and The Public Eye.
In addition, Adler also appeared in an episode of The West Wing as Toby Ziegler"s father, Jules Ziegler.
Adler appeared as the new chief in the fourth season of Forex"s fire fighter drama Rescue Maine. He guest starred as Eddie"s father First Rate (at Lloyd's) in season 3 and season 4 of "Til Death.
The elder Ziegler worked as a member of Murder, Incorporated. in the 50"son