Chaim Topol death: Fiddler on the Roof and James Bond actor dies aged 87
Chaim Topol, the star of Fiddler on the Roof and Bond film For Your Eyes Only, has died aged 87.
The Israeli actor’s death was announced by the country’s president in a statement on Wednesday (8 March).
President Isaac Herzog shared the news on Twitter, in which he paid tribute to “one of the leading giants of Israeli culture”.
He said: “[Topol was] a gifted actor who conquered many stages in Israel and overseas, filled the cinema screens with his presence and above all entered deep into our hearts.”
In his statement, Herzog added that despite being awarded for his “talent and creation”, it was the people of Israel that had won “the most important award” by being able to enjoy his work.
He added that throughout his career, the actor had “represented us with great respect”, before sending condolences to his “dear family and all his loved ones”.
Topol was reportedly diagnosed with dementia last year.
The Oscar-nominated actor is best known for his role in the 1971 musical, Fiddler on the Roof, in which he played impoverished Jewish milkman Tevye.
The actor received a Golden Globe award for this performance. It was his second Golden Globe, after he had won most promising male newcomer at the awards previously for his role in Israeli comedy Sallah Shabati.
Topol later starred in a number of US and Israeli films, including roles in the Bond movie For Your Eyes Only and Flash Gordon.
Topol also won the Israel Prize in 2015, which is the country’s most prestigious award for lifetime achievement and special contribution to society and the state.
The actor also was involved in lots of charity work, once serving as the president of the Jordan River Village which was a free overnight camp for Israeli children living with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
In his statement, Herzog said: “I had the privilege of getting to know him closely during the establishment of the unique village, and to be exposed to his work even outside the spotlight.”
He also founded Variety Israel, an organisation that provides support for children living with disabilities and their families.
The late actor is survived by his wife, Galia, who he married in 1965, and their three children: daughters Anat and Ady and son Omer.
Additional reporting by PA News
