Chaim Topol has died aged 87 

Chaim Topol, also known as Topol, has died aged 87. 

The Israeli actor, singer, and producer was best known for his role as Tevye in the film adaptation of the musical Fiddler on the Roof. He originated the role on stage in the West End and on Broadway, and went on to play the character in the film version, which was released in 1971. Topol’s performance in the film earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

In addition to his work in Fiddler, Topol has had a long and successful career in film and television. Some of his other notable film roles include playing Milos Columbo in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only and Captain von Trapp in the 2000 television adaptation of The Sound of Music. He has also appeared in numerous Israeli films, including Sallah and Hirbet Hiz’ah.

He released several albums over the course of his career, and performed in concerts all over the world, and was awarded the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement in 2002. He was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983.

Omid Djalili, who played Tevye in Chichester, paid tribute to the actor saying: “Amazing to think he was only 35 when he made the film. Anyone who plays Tevye knows he can never top Topol. God rest his soul.”