Chaim Topol, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ actor, dead at 87
nypost.comHerzog said. “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.”“Topol was one of the giants of Israeli culture and he will be greatly missed.
Condolences to his dear family and all his loved ones,” he added.Alzheimer’s was given as the cause, according to reports. His son Omer told Israeli news outlet Ynet earlier in the week that the actor was diagnosed with the disease several years ago.He first took on the role of Tevye the Dairyman in “Fiddler on the Roof” on stage in Israel and London in the late 1960s.
The musical focuses on a man who attempts to maintain his Jewish traditions while three daughters look to be married. For the 1971 movie, Topol was selected to play Tevye over Zero Mostel, who had starred in the Broadway production.
Despite being in his mid-30s and playing a man about 20 years older, Topol was critically acclaimed. He won a Golden Globe award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy in 1972, beating out four other candidates including Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka.
Read more on nypost.com