Actor Chaim Topol passed away Thursday morning at the age of 87. Topol, was also an Israeli singer, film producer, painter, illustrator, writer, poet, voice-over artist, philanthropist, and TV host. Aside from being the first Israeli ever to be nominated for an Oscar and a Tony Award, Topol snagged two Golden Globe Awards, beating out icons such as Gene Wilder for his timeless portrayal of Willy Wonka and the legendary Walter Matthau. In 2015, Topol received the 2015 Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement, for a special contribution to society and the country, and also won the prestigious “David’s Harp” Prize.
Topol was born, grew up, and educated in the Florentine neighborhood in Tel Aviv and was an apprentice in the "Ada" tribe of the Israeli Scouts. As an adolescent, Topol became an active member of the "Working Youth" movement as well as working as an apprentice at the printing house of the newspaper “Devar”.
Tradition!
— Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) March 9, 2023
So sad, 'Tevye' is gone, as legendary Israeli performer Chaim Topol, dies age 87. May his memory be always blessed and his films & performances continue to entertain and inspire us! pic.twitter.com/8nPAZhlMPN
During his compulsory military service, he was a member of IDF's Nahal entertainment troupe; it was here that he met his future wife Galia, and future performance partner Uri Zohar. While in the troupe, Topol first played the character of "Sallah Shabati" in skits written by Ephraim Kishon, which were used several Years later, as the basis for the motion picture "Sallah Shabbati" which won Topol his first Major award and gave the Jewish State its first Oscar nomination.
President Isaac Herzog paid tribute to the late Chaim Topol: "From Fiddler on the Roof to the rooftops of the entire world, the late Chaim Topol was one of the most Israel's finest theater artists, a gifted actor who conquered stages in Israel, and overseas, filled the silver screen with his presence and most importantly, entered deep into our hearts. During the decades of his glorious career, in which Topol represented us with great respect, he was decorated with many awards for his talent and creation, but the most important award of all was won by us, who laughed and cried with him in the dozens of characters he played.
President @Isaac_Herzog mourns the passing of Chaim Topol: pic.twitter.com/PXWYUKq8iY
— Office of the President of Israel (@IsraelPresident) March 9, 2023
Prime Minister Netanyahu also gave a eulogy, the original Hebrew one conveyed: "My wife Sara and I, like all citizens of Israel, are saying goodbye today with deep pain to our beloved Chaim Topol, a favorite of the audience who was one of the greatest artists of the State of Israel. He was one of the greatest lovers of the Land of Israel, and the people of Israel returned his love. Topol was a versatile artist, Possessed great charisma and energy. He brilliantly represented Israel in the world and won international recognition that few have received. Every play or film in which he participated provided an extraordinary experience. His broad smile, warm voice, and unique sense of humor made him a popular figure who captured the hearts of the people.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 9, 2023
"My wife Sara and I, like all Israeli citizens, with deep sorrow, are saying farewell to our dear and beloved Haim Topol, who was one of the State of Israel's greatest artists.
Like Herzog, Netanyahu's office did send out English language condolences, while Herzog's closely matched his original words, the Prime Minister's office chose a shorter, more direct approach for his. Both tributes convey the sentiment of many in the Jewish State. Topol was indeed beloved by those who saw him and was viewed as a national icon, one of the few who was beloved around the world almost as much as he was in Israel.
