'Fiddler On The Roof' star Chaim Topol dies aged 87

Israel actor Chaim Topol, best known for his Oscar-nominated role in Fiddler On The Roof, has died at the age of 87.

The news was confirmed by Israeli president Isaac Herzog on Twitter, who called Topol “one of the most outstanding Israeli stage artists”. The actor, who went by his last name, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s several years ago.

Topol first rose to prominence in 1964 with his performance in Ephraim Kishon’s Sallah Shabati (1964) which earned him a Golden Globe for best male newcomer. 

The actor was cast in the role of Tevye for the 1971 version of Fiddler On The Roof after director Norman Jewison saw him portray the character in the stage version. The film went on to earn eight Oscar nominations, including a leading actor nomination for Topol. 

His other film roles included Follow Me (1972), Galileo (1975) Flash Gordon (1980) and For Your Eyes Only (1981).

In 2015, he was awarded the Israeli Prize, the country’s most prestigious award.

Topol is survived by his wife and three children.