Chaim Topol, the Academy Award-nominated actor who notably portrayed “Tevye” within the 1971 film “Fiddler on the Roof,” died at 87 years old.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced Topol’s death on Wednesday.
“Some of the outstanding Israeli stage artists,” Herzog said.
“A gifted actor who conquered many stages in Israel and overseas, filled the cinema screens together with his presence and above all entered deep into our hearts.”
“Topol was one among the giants of Israeli culture and he will probably be greatly missed. Condolences to his dear family and all his family members,” he added.
Alzheimer’s was given because the cause, in keeping with reports.
His son Omer told Israeli news outlet Ynet earlier within the week that the actor was diagnosed with the disease several years ago.
He first took on the role of Tevye the Dairyman in “Fiddler on the Roof” on stage in Israel and London within the late Nineteen Sixties.
The musical focuses on a person who attempts to keep up his Jewish traditions while three daughters look to be married.
For the 1971 movie, Topol was chosen to play Tevye over Zero Mostel, who had starred within the Broadway production.
Despite being in his mid-30s and playing a person about 20 years older, Topol was critically acclaimed.
He won a Golden Globe award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy in 1972, beating out 4 other candidates including Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka.
His renditions of “If I Were A Wealthy Man” and “Tradition” are two of essentially the most memorable songs in movie history.
He was also nominated for an Oscar, one among eight nominations the film received, though he lost to Gene Hackman for “The French Connection.”
In 1991, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in a Broadway revival of the show.
Within the role he could be best remembered for, Topol played Tevye on and off through 2009.
“Fiddler on the Roof” was not his only highlight.
He won the Golden Globe for Best Newcomer — Male in 1965 for his work in “Sallah Shabati,” an Israeli comedy.
For his work within the 1972 comedy-drama “Follow Me!” Topol was named Best Actor by the San Sebastian International Film Festival.
Topol played Dr. Hans Zarkov within the 1980 cult classic superhero film “Flash Gordon.”
He also acted within the 1981 James Bond movie “For Your Eyes Only,” as a smuggler who helps 007, played by Roger Moore.
Greater than just an actor, Topol’s sketches of Israeli presidents were produced as a part of a stamp series. He illustrated greater than 20 books in Hebrew and English.
In 2015, he received the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement.
Topol married Galia Finkelstein they usually had three children, Anat, Ady and Omer.
