The 94-year-old Lew Palter, who was best known for playing Isidor Straus in “Titanic,” passed away. According to Palter’s daughter, who spoke with The Hollywood Reporter, the beloved actor passed away on May 21 from lung cancer.
Palter’s primary love was teaching, despite the fact that his on-screen prowess went far beyond the poignant scene in “Titanic” in which he and his on-screen wife shared a chilly, tragic death. Palter was previously employed by the CalArts School of Theater.
Palter was honored by CalArts at the time of his passing, even though the news is only now reaching a wider audience. In a statement posted to its Instagram account, the School of Theater announced the passing of Lew Palter, a longtime professor there.
“Lew retired from CalArts in 2013 after serving as a director, mentor, and acting instructor since 1971. Lew loved acting and inspired his students to share his enthusiasm for the profession. In every scene, play, and class, he cultivated a deep interest in, concern for, intellect, and humor. “.
Palter was the final “Titanic” performer to pass away. David Warner, the actor who played Spicer Lovejoy, passed away in July 2022.
Sometimes the synchronicity of history will make the hairs on your arm stand up. Lew Palter, for instance, died about a month before the Titan submarine, which exploded and killed the five people on board while attempting to visit the remains of the Titanic, became a global sensation, according to the BBC.
One of the casualties was Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate, the company in charge of the entire operation.
Notably, Isidor Straus, the character Palter played in “Titanic,” is connected to Wendy Rush, Stockton’s widow. Isidor and Ida Straus, who perished in the Titanic tragedy, had a great-great-granddaughter named Wendy Weil Rush, who is the wife/widow of Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate.
She was descended from Minnie, one of Isidor and Ida’s three daughters. Richard Weil and Minnie got hitched.
Wendy hasn’t yet spoken publicly about her husband’s untimely death. Regrettably, the litigation that might result from this tragedy might interfere with her period of mourning.
Wendy was the director of communications for OceanGate and a member of the expeditions team. The families of the victims may still be able to hold OceanGate legally responsible despite the crew members’ ostensibly irrevocable waivers, according to ABC 7 Chicago.
