Lew Palter, who played Macy’s businessman Isidor Straus in , has died aged 94.
Palter had lung and died at his home in Los Angeles on May 21, it has been confirmed.
He is best known for appearing in the 1997 movie as the man who cradled his wife in bed as the ship sank in a truly chilling scene.
It’s a shot that lasts for mere seconds but is still remembered as one of the film’s most heartbreaking moments.
His character was based on a real person, as Isidor Straus and his wife did indeed die onboard the ship.
Straus co-owned Macy’s with his brother, Nathan.
The New York-born actor is also remembered for playing Associate Justice Benjamin Halperin opposite Walter Matthau and Jill Clayburgh in the 1981 Supreme Court dramedy First Monday in October.
What’s more, he worked as a professor at the CalArts School of Theatre.
He tutored students who would go on to achieve global fame, including Oscar nominees Don Cheadle and Ed Harris, and Emmy nominee Cecily Strong.
Palter retired from teaching in 2013.
Through his long and varied career, Palter also directed numerous off-Broadway plays.
These included Tom Topor’s drama Nuts for the Los Angeles Stage Company, which was adapted into a movie in 1987 and starred Barbra Streisand.
The Steagle star is survived by his daughter Catherine Read Palter, who he shared with his wife and L.A. Law actress Nancy Vawter.
She sadly died in 2020, after the pair had been married for 64 years.
Palter is also survived by three grandchildren: Sam, Tessa, and Miranda Morgan.
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