Lew Palter

Leon Louis "Lew" Palter (November 3, 1928 – May 21, 2023) was an American actor. He was best known for his role as Isidor Straus in the 1997 film Titanic. He was also a longtime instructor at the CalArts School of Theater.

Lew Palter
Palter in Titanic, 1997
Born
Leon Louis Palter

(1928-11-03)November 3, 1928
New York City, U.S.
DiedMay 21, 2023(2023-05-21) (aged 94)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
OccupationActor
Spouse
Nancy Vawter
​
​
(m. 1956; died 2020)​
Children2

Early life

Leon Louis Palter was born in New York City's Brooklyn borough on November 3, 1928.[1][2][3] After studying at Tufts University and Alfred University,[1] he earned a PhD in theater at Northwestern University.[4]

Career

Palter appeared in New York productions such as The Madwoman of Chaillot and An Enemy of the People.[4] He also directed Off-Broadway plays including Let Man Live, Overruled and The Trial of Lucullus.[4] In 1965, he directed and produced with Robert L. Hobbs at the Millbrook Playhouse.[4] He acted and directed on summer stock theaters.[4] He began to appear on screen in 1967 with an appearance in the television series Run for Your Life. Palter guest-starred in television programs including The A-Team, Day by Day, Charlie's Angels, Baretta, The Virginian, Columbo, The High Chaparral, Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, The Six Million Dollar Man, Kojak, The Brady Bunch and The Flying Nun.[1][5] He also played Det. Clark in seven episodes of the American drama television series Delvecchio,[6] and guest-starred on The Doris Day Show.[7][8] Apart from playing Isidor Straus in Titanic,[9][10] Palter appeared in other films, such as The Steagle[1] and First Monday in October.[11]

Having started teaching acting at the CalArts School of Theater in 1971, Palter remained a faculty member there until his retirement in 2013.[1][2] His many students included Don Cheadle, Ed Harris, and Cecily Strong.[1][10][12]

Personal life

Palter was married to actress and costumer Nancy (née Vawter) from 1956 until her death in 2020.[1] They had two daughters together.[4]

Palter died from lung cancer at home in Los Angeles on May 21, 2023, at age 94.[1][2][10]

References
  1. Barnes, Mike (June 26, 2023). "Lew Palter, 'Titanic' Actor and Longtime CalArts Teacher, Dies at 94". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  2. Dunham, Katie (May 30, 2023). "CalArts Mourns the Passing of Lew Palter". California Institute of the Arts. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  3. "Lewis Palter". U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  4. "Lewis Palter, Co-Director at Millbrook Playhouse". The Express. Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. March 24, 1965. p. 6. Retrieved December 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com. closed access
  5. "Lew Palter". BFI. Archived from the original on May 28, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
  6. "Titanic And Delvecchio Star Lew Palter Dead At 94". Looper. June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
  7. McGee, Garry (November 22, 2010). Doris Day: Sentimental Journey. McFarland. p. 255. ISBN 9780786461073 – via Google Books.
  8. "Lew Palter". TVGuide.com. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
  9. Welsh, Daniel (November 5, 2020). "Elsa Raven, Titanic And Back To The Future Star, Dies Aged 91". The Huffington Post. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  10. Stimson, Brie (June 29, 2023). "Lew Palter, 'Titanic' actor and mentor to Hollywood stars, dead at 94". Fox News. Retrieved July 1, 2023. In Strong's tribute to Palter, she called him a 'great teacher' who 'knew how to live life well.' She also thanked Palter 'because for so many years I got to brag that my teacher was the old guy in Titanic that chose to stay in bed.'
  11. Petski, Denise (June 27, 2023). "Lew Palter Dies: 'Titanic' & 'First Monday In October' Actor Was 94". Deadline. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
  12. Ziemba, Christine N. (March 28, 2013). "Cecily Strong: From the CalArts School of Theater to Saturday Night Live". 24700. California Institute of the Arts. Retrieved July 1, 2023. Strong said that it was faculty member Lew Palter who encouraged her to try out for the improv/sketch comedy troupe ....
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