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Lew Palter’s daughter Catherine Palter has confirmed the death of the actor, who starred in the 1997 blockbuster Titanic. The revelation of his death comes days after the world learned the horrifying fate of the five Oceangate submersible passengers, who journeyed down the ocean in the Titan sub to see the legendary Titanic.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter on Monday, the late actor’s daughter confirmed that he died at his home in Los Angeles following his battle with lung cancer. According to her, the Hollywood legend left the world on Monday, May 21, after 94 fulfilling years on Earth.
Titanic’s Lew Palter Left Behind a Legacy in the Arts and Beyond
Notably, Lew Palter was best known for his role as Isidor Strauss, the co-owner of Macy’s department store in Titanic. Viewers will forever remember the old couple (Isidor and his wife) who chose to lay in bed together and await their fate as the water engulfed them in the 90s movie. That scene remains one of the most emotional in Titanic.
Aside from his role in the James Cameron film, the late actor starred in TV shows like The Brady Bunch, L.A. Law, and The Rules of Marriage. Before that, he made several performances on stage at the onset of his career. He was also featured on several Broadway shows. His commitment to the arts earned him a place among legends despite taking a backseat during his final years.
Hollywood Honors a Legend
Following the revelation of his death, several celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to Lew Palter. Travis Preston, the Dean of CalArts School of Theatre, where Lew was also a faculty member, paid him tribute. He referenced Lew’s love for the craft and how he encouraged students to find truth in their work and lives.
Saturday Night Live’s Cecily Strong also honored him in an emotional writeup, crediting him with teaching her and steering her career in the right direction. She admitted he led a good life, much like his Titanic character, and reached the beautiful age of 94. Lew, who lost his wife in 2020, left behind his daughter, Catherine, and three grandchildren to carry on his legacy.
The news of his death comes in the wake of the Oceangate Titanic submarine disaster, which saw five people lose their lives after the Titan imploded. The incident took the world by storm, leading to many wild theories about the legendary Titanic and the theorized curse of the deep blue sea.