Lew Palter, the actor best known to audiences as Macy’s co-owner Isidor Straus within the 1997 classic “Titanic,” died last month, it was revealed Monday. He was 94.
Palter succumbed to lung cancer on May 21, his daughter Catherine told The Hollywood Reporter.
He was a well-recognized face on TV, appearing on “The Flying Nun,” “Columbo,” “The Brady Bunch,” Hill Street Blues” and “LA Law,” amongst other shows.
Palter played a Supreme Court Justice within the 1981 comedy-drama “First Monday In October,” starring Walter Matthau and Jill Clayburgh.
He was also a school member at CalArts School of Theater.
One in all his students, Cecily Strong, paid tribute to Palter on Instagram.
“Lew told me he thought I should take a category on the Groundlings,” she said. “I said no way I’m a serious actor. Seems Lew was right. I took the category on the Groundlings. It brought me back to Chicago to check improv there. Then I ended up auditioning for Lorne Michaels. Thanks Lew.”
In a memorable scene from the Best Picture Oscar-winning “Titanic,” Straus and his wife stay in bed together reasonably than attempt to make an escape from the ill-fated ship while water runs through their room.
“For therefore a few years I got to brag that my teacher was the old guy in Titanic that selected to remain in bed,” Strong posted. “Lew knew how one can live life well. Learn how to teach students to be not only higher actors but higher people.”
Other Palter students include Ed Harris and Don Cheadle.
Palter is survived by his daughter Catherine and grandchildren Sam, Tessa and Miranda.
His wife, Nancy Vawter, died in 2020.
“Lew loved the craft of acting, and taught his students to do the identical. He fostered deep curiosity, care, intellect, and humor in every scene, play, and sophistication, CalArts School of Theater Dean Travis Preston said in an announcement.
“He had the utmost respect of his students, and encouraged all to seek out truth of their work and lives,” said Preston. His legacy is carried forth in the various careers, lives, and stories he touched, and our collective CalArts thoughts are together with his family, friends, and theater community who loved him so,” said Preston.
