Laura Adler, ‘American Dreams’ Casting Director, Dies at 65

Laura Adler, a former Casting Society administrator and casting director, died on Thursday in Los Angeles following a brief illness. She was 65 years old.

For 16 years, Adler worked as a casting director, and was involved with the casting for television shows including “Better Off Ted,” “Dream On,” “The Goode Family” and “American Dreams.” For the latter, Adler was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting in a Drama Series. Before becoming one herself, she assisted renowned casting directors Barbara Claman, Mark Saks and Ted Hann.

Over more than four decades in the industry, Adler built a career in entertainment that was defined by her service, integrity and tireless advocacy; she became an original member of the steering committee to secure pension and health benefits for casting directors in 2005 and in 2014, she was hired as an administrator for the Casting Society. She held the position for a decade, serving and supporting the global casting community up until she retired from the role in 2024.  

In recognition of her tireless efforts and the impact her work had on the casting community, Adler will be receiving the Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award, given to those who have made outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes that have in turn supported the casting community. The award will be presented at the 41st Annual Artios Awards on Feb. 26 in Los Angeles. 

The daughter of the late actor and director Jerry Adler, Adler was born and raised in New York City. Before transitioning into casting in 1989, she began working in television and film production in 1980. 

She is survived by her sisters Alisa Adler, a talent agent at Paradigm; Emily Adler, a writer; Amy Adler; and nephew, Joe Adler. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.