Lew Palter, who starred in the 1997 Oscar-winning blockbuster movie Titanic, died. He was 94 years old.
His daughter, Catherine Palter, confirmed that the veteran actor died of lung cancer on May 21 at his home in Los Angeles, California. Hollywood Reporter On Monday.
Palter became known worldwide for her role as Isidor Strauss, co-owner of Macy’s in James Cameron’s beloved epic. He began his career by acting in New York stage productions before going to Broadway and later became a familiar face on television programs such as: Columbo, The Brady Bunch, Marriage Rules And LA Law.
A film, theater and television actor, he was a faculty member at the CalArts School of Theater. Palter was described by her former student as a “great teacher”. Saturday night live star Cecily Strong is in a eulogy on Instagram. “Lew directed me at my second favorite play at CalArts, Jane Martin’s “Anton in Show Business,” along with all the other girls who weren’t on the big shows in our second year,” wrote Strong, 39.
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“Lew told me he thought I should take lessons at the Groundlings. I said no, I’m a serious actor. Lew turned out to be right. I took lessons at the Groundlings. He brought me back to Chicago to study improv there. Then I auditioned for Lorne Michaels. I joined in. Thanks to Lew.”
Palter also taught famous students Ed Harris and Don Cheadle.
Strong continued to refer to the famous scene. Titanic The character of Palter, lying in bed with his wife, while their room is filled with water. “For many years, I bragged that my teacher was the old man who chose to stay in bed on the Titanic,” he continued. “Lew knew how to live life well. How do we teach students to be better people, not just better actors.”
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Travis Preston, Dean of CalArts School of Theater, remembered Palter as someone who “loved the acting craft and taught his students to do the same.” “He nurtured deep curiosity, care, intelligence and humor in every scene, play and classroom,” Preston said in a statement.
“He had the utmost respect for his students and encouraged everyone to find the truth in their work and life,” the Dean added. “Her legacy continues in the many careers, lives and stories she has touched, and our shared thoughts of CalArts are with her family, friends and theater community who love her very much.”
Palter’s wife died in 2020. The actor is survived by his daughter Catherine and grandchildren Sam, Tessa and Miranda.