Laura Adler, an esteemed casting director recognized with an Emmy nomination and a former administrator at Casting Society, passed away on Thursday in Los Angeles at the age of 65 due to a brief illness. The news was confirmed by a representative from the Casting Society.
Adler was scheduled to be honored with the Casting Society’s Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award at the upcoming 41st Artios Awards on February 26, 2024, in Los Angeles. This prestigious accolade is presented to individuals for their significant contributions to humanitarian causes benefiting the casting community, highlighting Adler’s commitment throughout her career.
She garnered an Emmy nomination in 2003 for her work on NBC’s drama “American Dreams” and served as casting director for several notable series, including “Better Off Ted,” “Dream On,” and “The Goode Family.”
Born on July 1, 1960, in New York City, Adler launched her career in the early 1980s, working as a technician on “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” which was a precursor to the iconic “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” She also contributed as a production assistant on the 1981 ABC telefilm “A Long Way Home,” featuring well-known actors Timothy Hutton, Brenda Vaccaro, and Rosanna Arquette.
Throughout the late 1980s, she shifted her focus to film and television casting, collaborating with renowned casting directors like Mark Saks, Barbara Claman, and Ted Hann. Her association in the industry led to her involvement in films such as “Defending Your Life” and “Prelude to a Kiss,” as well as TV projects like HBO’s “Dream On” and TBS’s sitcom “My Boys.” She played a notable role as a casting associate on “American Dreams” before advancing to casting director.
In 2005, Adler was instrumental in establishing the original steering committee aimed at securing pension and health benefits for casting professionals, a milestone that significantly changed the industry landscape. She was appointed as the Casting Society’s Administrator in 2014 and dedicated a decade to serving the casting community with an unwavering commitment and empathy until her retirement in 2024.
Laura Adler leaves behind her sisters, Alisa Adler, a talent agent at Paradigm; Emily Adler, a writer; Amy Adler; and her nephew, Joe Adler. Her father, Jerry Adler, an actor renowned for his roles in “The Sopranos,” “Rescue Me,” and “The Good Wife,” passed away in August at the age of 96.
Adler’s legacy in the casting industry and her humanitarian contributions will be remembered fondly, inspiring future generations in the performing arts.