Fiddler on the Roof star passes away
<p>Chaim Topol has passed away at the age of 87.</p>
<p>The Israeli actor, known around the world for his role as Tevye the Milkman in <em>Fiddler on the Roof</em>, died at home with his loved ones at his side. He is survived by his wife and three children.</p>
<p>Topol’s son had previously confirmed that the actor had been diagnosed with dementia in 2022, while <em>The Times of Israel</em> reported that the 87-year-old had been battling with Alzheimer’s for years. </p>
<p>Israel’s president Isaac Herzog announced Topol’s death in a statement, describing him as a “gifted actor who conquered many stages in Israel and overseas, filled the cinema screens with his presence, and most importantly entered deep into our hearts.” </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President <a href="https://twitter.com/Isaac_Herzog?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Isaac_Herzog</a> mourns the passing of Chaim Topol: <a href="https://t.co/PXWYUKq8iY">pic.twitter.com/PXWYUKq8iY</a></p>
<p>— Office of the President of Israel (@IsraelPresident) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelPresident/status/1633716213925724160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p>Topol was just 30 years old when he first stepped into the role of Tevye in 1996 for the stage musical <em>Fiddler on the Roof</em>. At the time, he was required to wear makeup and special costuming to make him look older than he was, but by the time he finished performing in 2009, he had to act younger, as he was then in his 70s. </p>
<p>It has been estimated - and claimed by Topol himself in 2014 - that he had portrayed Tevye in the stage play over 4000 times. </p>
<p>His credits weren’t limited just to the stage, however, with the actor also diving in as the beloved character for the 1971 screen adaptation. For this work, he secured himself nominations for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. While he did not win the Oscar, he did go home with the Golden Globe award. </p>
<p>He also received a Tony Award nomination in 1991 for the Broadway revival.</p>
<p>Throughout his career, Teyve was the first character people recognised him for, though Topol didn’t seem to mind. In a 2015 interview, he said “how many people are known for one part? How many people in my profession are known worldwide?”</p>
<p>Production took him across the globe with <em>Fiddler on the Roof</em>, and saw him visit everywhere from Australia to Europe, Asia, and Israel. </p>
<p>“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 to wherever, and the clerk at immigration says ‘Topol, Topol, are you Topol?’” he said, “many people saw [the play] and it’s not a bad thing.” </p>
<p>Topol also starred in the likes of <em>Galileo</em>, <em>Flash Gordon</em>, and <em>For Your Eyes Only</em>, as well as providing his voice for Hebrew dubs of both <em>The Jungle Book</em> and two Harry Potter films. </p>
<p>His later years, however, saw him turn to writing and illustrating books. </p>
<p>And in 2015, the actor was awarded The Israel Prize by the State of Israel, something that is considered to be one of the state’s top cultural honours.</p>
<p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>