Lew Palter, a performer best known for playing Isidor Straus in “Titanic,” died at the age of 94. The adored actor passed away on May 21 from lung cancer, according to Palter’s daughter, who spoke with The Hollywood Reporter.
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 worked at the CalArts School of Theater prior to this.
Even though the news of Palter’s passing is only now reaching a wider audience, CalArts paid tribute to him at the time of his passing. The School of Theater published a statement on its Instagram account announcing 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 instilled this passion in his students. In every scene, play, and class, he cultivated a deep interest in, concern for, intellect, and humor. “.
Palter was the final actor from “Titanic” to pass away. David Warner, the actor who played Spicer Lovejoy, passed away in July 2022.
Sometimes the historical coincidences can 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 chief executive officer of OceanGate, the company in charge of the entire operation.
Notably, Isidor Straus, the character Palter played in “Titanic” many years ago, and Wendy Rush, Stockton’s widow, are connected. Wendy Weil Rush, the wife/widow of Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate, is the great-great-granddaughter of Isidor and Ida Straus, who perished in the Titanic disaster, according to a statement by The Straus Historical Society.
She was descended from Minnie, one of Isidor and Ida’s three daughters. They were wed, Minnie and Richard Weil.
Wendy hasn’t yet spoken publicly about her husband’s untimely death. Her period of mourning may, regrettably, be impacted by the litigation that may result from this tragedy.
As the director of communications for OceanGate, Wendy served on 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.
