Fiddler On The Roof star Chaim Topol dead at 87
Israeli actor Chaim Topol, best known for his role as Tevye in the 1971 classic musical Fiddler On The Roof, has died aged 87 in Israel, a statement from the president’s office has announced.
The Israeli president on Thursday described Topol as a “gifted actor who conquered many stages in Israel and overseas, filled the cinema screens with his presence and especially entered deep into our hearts.”
Topol received a Golden Globe award for Best Actor in a Film Comic or Musical for his role as the lead, Tevye, in Fiddler On The Roof and was nominated for an Oscar that same year, according to data from the Haifa University.
Chaim Topol with Fiddler on the Roof director Norman Jewison
The Oscar-nominated actor was reportedly diagnosed with dementia last year.
Topol’s acting career began to gain momentum after he was cast as the titular character in Israeli comedy Sallah Shabati, which earnt him the Golden Globe award for most promising male newcomer.
He went on to star in a number of films, both in Israel and the US, including the 1975 adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s Galileo and 1980 sci-fi film Flash Gordon.
Topol scooped a second Golden Globe in 1971, this time for best actor, for his role of Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof.
Chaim Topol
A 1991 Broadway revival of Fiddler also led to him being nominated for a Tony Award for best actor.
In addition to acting, Topol also dedicated his time to charitable causes and founded Variety Israel – an organisation that provides support for children living with disabilities and their families.
Topol also served as the president of Jordan River Village, a free overnight camp for Israeli children living with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
In 2015 he was awarded the Israel Prize – the country’s most prestigious award – for lifetime achievement and special contribution to society and the state.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “My wife Sara and I, like all Israeli citizens, with deep sorrow, are saying farewell to our dear and beloved Haim Topol, who was one of the State of Israel’s greatest artists.
He greatly loved the land of Israel, and the people of Israel loved him in return.
Topol was a multi-faceted artist, with great charisma and energy. He proudly represented Israel around the world and received international recognition of a kind that few have received.
His plays and films were extraordinary experiences. Thanks to his broad smile, warm voice and unique sense of humour, he was a popular figure who conquered the heart of the people.
Topol had a huge heart. He fervently supported the justice of Israel’s path and enthusiastically believed in the Zionist vision.
He expressed these views openly, around the world. At the same time, Topol helped sick and special needs children, out of the deep desire to contribute to the resilience of Israeli society.
Eight years ago, I had the privilege of awarding Topol the Israel Prize. I told him how proud of him we all were. Whether he was playing Salah Shabati, Tevye the milkman or Milos Columbo alongside James Bond. Topol remained modest and loved people.
Sadly, the fiddler on the roof is no longer with us. The strings of the fiddle have fallen silent. The story of Haim Topol’s life has been sealed but I am certain that his contribution to Israeli culture will live on for generations.
Sara and I convey our sincere condolences to his family.”
Topol is survived by his wife Galia, who he married in 1965, and the couple’s three children, daughters Anat and Ady and son Omer.
with PA
