The “Fiddler on the Roof” actor was 87 years old.
Israeli Chaim Topol died in his own home in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, writes Variety and a number of other media.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog paid tribute to the late star on Twitter, writing among other things that Topol was “a gifted actor who conquered stages both in Israel and abroad”.
«He filled the cinema screen with his presence and left a deep impression on the audience’s hearts», says the president.
Topol was nominated for an Oscar for his role as the milkman Tellef in the iconic “Fiddler on the Roof” in 1972. He won a Golden Globe statuette for the same role.
The veteran actor also played the same role continuously on the musical stage for over five decades. It is estimated that he appeared as Tellef in 3,500 performances.
Cinema audiences also know him from films such as “Only for your eyes” and “The Hunt for Eichmann”, as well as the series “Winds of War” and “War and Remembrance”.
Topol spent the last few years writing and illustrating books. He was also very involved in charity work for disadvantaged children.
Topol died with his loved ones around him. He has been suffering from dementia for the past year.
The film star is survived by his wife and three children.
