Laura Adler, an Emmy-nominated casting director and longtime administrator for the Casting Society, died Thursday in Los Angeles after a brief illness. She was 65. A representative for the Casting Society confirmed her death to Deadline.
Adler was widely admired for her decades of work in film and television casting, as well as for her tireless advocacy for casting professionals across the industry.
Tributes quickly filled the comments as colleagues and friends shared memories of Adler’s kindness and impact.
One person wrote, “She was one of the good ones. May her memory be a blessing. ❤️”
Another added, “What??? This made my stomach drop. How unbelievably heartbreaking!! I’m so so sad to hear this 😭”
A third shared a more personal reflection, writing, “I am sorry to hear this. She booked me on my first TV show. Always kind and supportive. 💔”
Others echoed the sentiment, including one message that read, “Oh no. Laura was such an amazing, caring woman. I’m so sorry to hear this. Lots of love to you.”
Another tribute summed up the outpouring of emotion. “This breaks my heart. Sending you love. Laura was such a bright light in this industry. I am better because I got the chance to know her. ❤️”
Daughter of ‘Sopranos’ Actor Jerry Adler
Adler was the daughter of veteran actor Jerry Adler, who was best known for portraying Hesh Rabkin on “The Sopranos.” His television career also included roles as Fire Chief Sidney Feinberg on “Rescue Me” and Howard Lyman on “The Good Wife.”
Jerry Adler died in August at the age of 96, as confirmed by NBC in August 2025.
Laura is survived by her sisters, Alisa Adler, a talent agent at Paradigm, Emily Adler, a writer, and Amy Adler, as well as her nephew, Joe Adler.
Laura’s Career Highlights: Emmy Nominee With a Lasting Casting Legacy
Adler received an Emmy nomination in 2003 for her casting work on the NBC drama “American Dreams.” She went on to serve as casting director on a range of television series, including “Better Off Ted,” “Dream On,” and “The Goode Family.”
Born July 1, 1960, in New York City, Adler began her career in the early 1980s working behind the scenes as a technician on “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” a West Hollywood stage production that featured Paul Reubens before the launch of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”
According to the Hollywood Reporter, she also worked as a production assistant on the 1981 ABC telefilm “A Long Way Home,” starring Timothy Hutton, Brenda Vaccaro, and Rosanna Arquette.
As per Variety, by the late 1980s, Adler transitioned into casting, first working as an associate alongside respected casting directors Mark Saks, Barbara Claman, and Ted Hann.
Her early credits included films such as “Defending Your Life” and “Prelude to a Kiss,” as well as television projects like HBO’s “Dream On” and TBS’ “My Boys.” She later rose from casting associate to casting director on “American Dreams,” a career milestone.
Honored for Advocacy & Industry Leadership
Deadline reported that in 2005, Adler became an original member of the steering committee that helped secure pension and health benefits for casting professionals, a breakthrough that brought lasting change to the industry.
She joined the Casting Society as its administrator in 2014 and spent the next decade supporting casting professionals worldwide with steady leadership and compassion. Adler retired from the role in 2024.
Adler was set to be honored with the Casting Society’s Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award at the 41st Artios Awards on February 26 in Los Angeles. The award recognizes exceptional humanitarian contributions that uplift the casting community, an honor the organization said reflected Adler’s life’s work.
She is remembered not only for her accomplishments but also for the care, advocacy, and integrity she brought to an industry she helped strengthen and shape.
