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Israeli actor Chaim Topol has died at 87. Topol is best known for portraying Tevye in 1971’s Fiddler on the Roof, the movie that got John Williams his first Oscar for scoring. According to CNN, Topol died in his native Israel after a “long illness.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu honored Topol in a statement calling him a “multi-faceted artist, with great charisma and energy.” Netanyahu also said, “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. He greatly loved the land of Israel, and the people of Israel loved him in return.”
‘Fiddler on the Roof Actor Chaim Topol’s Celebrated Career
Topol was born in Tel Aviv on Septermber 9, 1935. For most of his career, he went only by his surname. He started his acting career doing army service when he was assigned to the entertainment troop. He met his wife Galia during his time of service.
Topol earned his first Golden Globe for most promising newcomer in 1964’s Shallah Shabati. Six years later, Topol starred in Fiddler on the Roof, which won him his second Golden Globe for best motion picture comedy or musical. Topol’s role in Fiddler on the Roof also earned him an Oscar nomination for best actor, which he lost to Gene Hackman (former Lex Luthor) for The French Connection.
Topol’s role in Fiddler was a true stretch for the actor’s talents. The actor had a very little musical background, having been deprived of music until the age of 12. He was also significantly younger than his character, Tevye, having been only 36 at the time of filming. Topol was made to look 20 years older with the help of make-up and costuming. The performance was so convincing that Topol was cast as Tevye in several onstage productions of Fiddler on the Roof.
Topol’s other notable roles included Dr. Hans Zarkov in Flash Gordon (1980) and Milos Columbo in For Your Eyes Only (1981) starring Roger Moore.
Chaim Topol Honored By His Country
Eight years ago, Netanyahu awarded Topol with the Israel Prize, the highest form of honor in the culture.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog honored actor Chaim Topol on Twitter, commending his talents and his work for sick and disabled children. “Topol was one of the giants of Israeli culture and he will be greatly missed,” Herzog tweeted.
Actor Chaim Topol is survived by his wife and three children.