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'Cultural giant': ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ actor Chaim Topol remembered fondly after he dies at 87

The recipient of two Golden Globe awards is being remembered as a 'gifted actor who conquered many stages in Israel and overseas'

TEL AVIV-YAFO, ISRAEL: Globally acclaimed Israeli actor Chaim Topol died on Thursday, March 9, at the age of 87, as per local media reports. The cause of his death is not knoen yet but it has been said that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Israel’s president Isaac Herzog issued a statement following Topol’s death.

The Guardian reported that Herzog remembered the recipient of two Golden Globe awards as a “gifted actor who conquered many stages in Israel and overseas, filled the cinema screens with his presence and especially entered deep into our hearts.” Topol worked in many films and did theater, but his most iconic role is of Tevye in the ‘Fiddler on the Roof’.

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‘How many people are known for one part?’

According to reports, the star played Tevye over 3,500 times. Also, when it was adapted into a movie in 1971, Topol was the lead character, which got him a nomination for best actor at the Academy Awards. During an interview with The Associated Press in 2015, the illustrator said, “How many people are known for one part? How many people in my profession are known worldwide? So I am not complaining. 

“Sometimes I am surprised when I come to China or when I come to Tokyo or when I come to France or when I come wherever and the clerk at the immigration says ‘Topol, Topol, are you Topol?’ So yes many people saw it (Fiddler) and it is not a bad thing.”

In the last few years, Topol was mostly busy with charity work and had revealed as reported by the Daily Mail, “I am interested in charities and find it more fulfilling than running from one (acting) part to another. When you are successful in a film and the money flows, yes, obviously, it is very nice. But to tell you that is the most important thing, I am not sure.”

‘May his memory be always blessed’

Meanwhile, following his death, many paid their tributes to him. International human rights lawyer, Arsen Ostrovsky, tweeted, “Tradition! 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!” Nonprofit organization StandWithUs shared, “We are saddened to learn about the death of #Israeli actor Chaim Topol, who passed away this week at the age of 87. Topol became well-known around the world for his portrayal of Tevye in the film version of 'Fiddler on the Roof'. May his memory and legacy forever be a blessing.🕯️”

Israeli diplomat Elad Strohmayer wrote, “‘Sunrise, sunset Swiftly fly the years One season following another Laden with happiness and tears.’ The sun has set on Chaim Topol, an Israeli cultural giant, a @goldenglobes winner & @TheAcademy award nominee. The many characters he portrayed on stage & on screen will live on.”

Israeli-British illusionist Uri Geller added, “So sorry to hear my friend #Topol has died. He was one of the first global Israeli celebrities and a very sweet and modest man. Deepest condolences to his family. To coin one of Fiddler's most famous lines - To life, to life, l'chaim! Chaim Topol, we will miss you! 🖤”