Laura Adler, a former casting association administrator and casting director, died Thursday in Los Angeles after a brief illness. She was 65 years old.
Adler worked as a casting director for 16 years, casting for television shows such as “Better Off Ted,” “Dream On,” “The Good Family” and “American Dreams.” For the latter, Adler was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Cast in a Drama Series. Before becoming a casting director herself, she worked as an assistant to renowned casting directors Barbara Claman, Mark Sachs, and Ted Hann.
With more than 40 years in the industry, Adler built a career in entertainment that was defined by her service, integrity, and tireless advocacy. She was an original member of the steering committee to secure pensions and health benefits for casting directors in 2005 and was hired as administrator of the Casting Society in 2014. She served in the role for 10 years before retiring in 2024, serving and supporting the global casting community.
In recognition of her tireless efforts and the impact her work has had on the casting community, Adler will receive the Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award, which is given to those who have made outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes in support of the casting community. The award will be presented at the 41st annual Altios Awards on February 26 in Los Angeles.
Adler, the daughter of the late actor and director Jerry Adler, was born and raised in New York City. She began working in television and film production in 1980 before turning to casting in 1989.
She is survived by her sister Alisa Adler, a talent agent with Paradigm; Emily Adler, author. Amy Adler. and nephew, Joe Adler. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
