Fiddler On The Roof star Chaim Topol has died (Picture: Getty Images)
Actor Chaim Topol has died at the age of 87.
The actor was best-known for starring as Tevye in the classic 1971 film Fiddler On The Roof.
Topol’s death was confirmed on Wednesday by president of Israel Isaac Herzog, who paid tribute to the star as ‘one of the giants of Israeli culture.’
Golden Globe winner Topol had reportedly been diagnosed with dementia in 2022.
Throughout his decade-spanning career, the actor had made a name for himself in Israel and abroad, particularly in the United States, where he also starred in the Broadway revival of Fiddler, for which he was nominated for a Tony.
Paying tribute to the film and stage actor, president Herzog described him as ‘one of the most outstanding Israeli stage artists, a gifted actor who conquered many stages in Israel and overseas, filled the cinema screens with his presence and above all entered deep into our hearts.
The acclaimed actor had starred in both the film and stage version of the show (Picture: Bettmann Archive)
Topol’s death was confirmed by the president of Israel (Picture: Getty Images)
Throughout his ‘glorious career,’ Topol represented the Israeli people ‘with great respect,’ Herzog continued in a translated statement.
Topol led charities Jordan River Village and Variety Israel, which assisted sick and disabled children, with Herzog recalling how he got to know him ‘closely’ during the foundation of the organisation.
‘Topol was one of the giants of Israeli culture and he will be greatly missed. Condolences to his dear family and all his loved ones. Of blessed memory.’
Topol has clinched two Golden Globes throughout his career (Picture: Getty Images)
Topol’s impressive career began in Israel when he was cast in a starring role in comedy Sallah Shabati, for his he won a Golden Globe for most promising male newcomer.
He went on to find fame in the US, appearing in 1975 adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s Galileo and 1980 sci-fi film Flash Gordon.
His second Golden Globe was won in 1971 for his work in Fiddler On The Roof, with the Tony nomination coming in 1991.
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In 2015, the ‘giant of Israeli culture’ was awarded the prestigious Israel Prize for lifetime achievement and special contribution to society and the state.
He is survived by wife Galia, to whom he has been married for 58 years, and the couple’s three children, daughters Anat and Ady and son Omer.
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