Lew Palter, an American actor best known for playing Isidor Straus, the co-owner of Macy’s, in the 1997 classic Titanic, passed away last month at the age of 94.
However, it was made public on Monday that Palter passed away on May 21 from lung cancer, as his daughter Catherine reportedly told The Hollywood Reporter, according the New York Post.
He frequently appeared on TV, including in episodes of “The Flying Nun,” “Columbo,” “The Brady Bunch,” “Hill Street Blues,” and “LA Law.”
In the 1981 comedy-drama “First Monday In October,” starring Walter Matthau and Jill Clayburgh, Palter portrayed a Supreme Court justice.
He was also a faculty member at CalArts School of Theater.
One of his students, Cecily Strong, paid tribute to Palter on Instagram.
“Lew told me he thought I should take a class at the Groundlings,” she said. “I said no way I’m a serious actor. Turns out Lew was right. I took the class at the Groundlings. It brought me back to Chicago to study improv there. Then I ended up auditioning for Lorne Michaels. Thanks Lew.”
In a memorable scene from the Best Picture Oscar-winning “Titanic,” Straus and his wife stay in bed together rather than try to make an escape from the ill-fated ship while water runs through their room.
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“For so many years I got to brag that my teacher was the old guy in Titanic that chose to stay in bed,” Strong posted. “Lew knew how to live life well. How to teach students to be not only better actors but better people.”
Palter, whose wife, Nancy Vawter died in 2020, is survived by his daughter Catherine and grandchildren Sam, Tessa and Miranda.
“Lew loved the craft of acting, and taught his students to do the same. He fostered deep curiosity, care, intellect, and humor in every scene, play, and class,” CalArts School of Theater Dean, Travis Preston said in a statement.
“He had the utmost respect of his students, and encouraged all to find truth in their work and lives,” said Preston. “His legacy is carried forth in the many careers, lives, and stories he touched, and our collective CalArts thoughts are with his family, friends, and theatre community who loved him so,” said Preston.
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