‘Titanic’ Star Lew Palter, Who Played Ancestor of OceanGate CEO’s Wife Wendy Rush, Dies at 94
usmagazine.comLew Palter, the veteran character actor known for appearing in Titanic, has died. He was 94.Palter’s daughter, Catherine, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter on Monday, June 26, revealing that her father died on May 21 at home in Los Angeles following a battle with lung cancer.In addition to starring in 1997’s Titanic, Palter was known for playing a Supreme Court justice in the 1981 film First Monday in October, which also starred Walter Matthau and Jill Clayburgh.
His many television appearances include roles in Columbo, The Virginian, Mission: Impossible, Kojak, The Brady Bunch, Charlie’s Angels, Baretta, Hill Street Blues and The Flying Nun.In order to view the video, please allow Manage CookiesPalter began teaching acting at the California Institute of the Arts in 1971 and worked there until his retirement in 2013. “Lew loved the craft of acting and taught his students to do the same,” Travis Preston, the dean of CalArts School of Theater, told THR in a statement. “He fostered deep curiosity, care, intellect and humor in every scene, play and class.
He had the utmost respect of his students and encouraged all to find truth in their work and lives.”Over the years, Palter’s numerous students included Ed Harris, Don Cheadle and Cecily Strong.
Shortly after his passing in May, Strong, 39, credited her former teacher with encouraging her to try improv, which eventually led to her auditioning for Saturday Night Live.“Thanks Lew.
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