Lew Palter, who is best known for playing Isidor Straus in the classic movie “Titanic,” passed away at the age of 94. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Palter’s daughter claimed that he passed away from lung cancer.
Despite making an enduring impression with his magnificent performance in “Titanic,” Palter’s true calling was as a teacher. After his iconic on-screen moment with his fictitious wife when they met a tragic and horrific fate, Palter dedicated himself to teaching aspiring actors at the renowned CalArts School of Theater.
Immediately after the news of his passing, which had just recently become more widely known, CalArts released a statement on its Instagram account paying tribute to the senior faculty member.
“Lew retired from CalArts in 2013 following an extraordinary four-decade career as an acting instructor, director, and mentor. His enthusiasm for acting was contagious, and he greatly enhanced the sense of attention, compassion, intelligence, and humor in every scene, play, and class. “.
Another outstanding performer from the “Titanic” cast left with Palter’s departure. Spicer Lovejoy’s on-screen counterpart, David Warner, passed away in July of last year.
Sometimes strange coincidences result from the entwining of histories. Palter died just before the tragic explosion of the Titanic submarine, which killed all five aboard while on an expedition to explore the ship’s wreckage, and riveted the attention of the entire world.
One of those killed was Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate, the company in charge of the disastrous operation. It’s interesting to note how much Wendy Rush, Stockton’s widow, and Isidor Straus, the character Palter played, are alike.
Isidor and Ida Straus, who perished in the Titanic disaster, were confirmed by the Straus Historical Society to be the great-great-granddaughters of Wendy Weil Rush, Stockton Rush’s wife and now widow.
“Minnie, Wendy’s great-grandmother, was one of the three daughters born to Isidor and Ida. Minnie married Richard Weil, and one of their offspring is Wendy.
As she grieves the untimely passing of her husband, Wendy has not yet spoken to the public. Unfortunately, the legal repercussions of this tragedy might make her grief worse.
Despite the waivers allegedly being signed by the crew members, Wendy, a member of the expedition team and the communications chief for OceanGate, may face legal action from the families of the deceased.
While juggling grief and resolving legal issues, Wendy and everyone else involved encounter a challenge. “.
