Lew Palter, a renowned character actor and esteemed member of the CalArts School of Theater faculty, has passed away at the age of 94. Palter, best known for his role as department store magnate Isidor Straus in James Cameron’s Titanic, died on May 21 at his home in Los Angeles after battling lung cancer.
Born on November 3, 1928, in New York, Palter had a distinguished career both on screen and stage. He began his acting career off-Broadway and later joined the Millbrook Playhouse in Mill Hall, Pennsylvania, in the mid-1960s. Palter made his onscreen debut in a 1967 episode of NBC’s Run for Your Life, and throughout the decade, he appeared in popular TV shows such as It Takes a Thief, The Virginian, Gunsmoke, and Mission: Impossible.
However, Palter’s most iconic role was as Isidor Straus in the award-winning film Titanic. The film, released in 1997, depicted the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Palter’s portrayal of Isidor, who co-owned Macy’s with his brother, and his wife, Ida, played by Elsa Raven, left a lasting impression on audiences. In one memorable scene, the couple is seen embracing on a bed in their stateroom as the water rushes in and the ship’s string quartet plays the hymn “Nearer My God to Thee.” Isidor’s refusal to board a lifeboat and his wife’s loyalty resulted in their tragic deaths on the ill-fated ship.
Aside from his film roles, Palter had an illustrious career in television. He played a Supreme Court justice in the 1981 film First Monday in October, shared the screen with Judd Hirsch on the CBS series Delvecchio, and made appearances on popular shows like The Flying Nun, Hill Street Blues, and L.A. Law. Palter’s versatility as an actor allowed him to take on a wide range of roles, including an LAPD detective on Delvecchio.
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In 1971, Palter joined the faculty of the CalArts School of Theater and became an integral part of the school’s community. He dedicated over four decades to teaching and mentoring aspiring actors, directors, and theater professionals. Palter’s teaching style emphasized deep curiosity, care, intellect, and humor, and he encouraged his students to find truth in their work and lives. His students, which included Ed Harris, Don Cheadle, and Cecily Strong, credit him with changing their lives through his passion for the craft of acting.
Palter’s daughter, Catherine Palter, remarked that her father had a profound impact on his students and truly changed their lives. His teaching legacy extended beyond CalArts, as he conducted private workshops and taught around the country and internationally, sharing his knowledge and love for acting with aspiring artists.
Palter’s dedication to the theatrical arts was evident in his own education journey. After graduating from Tufts University, he went on to earn a master’s degree from Alfred University and a Ph.D. in theater from Northwestern University. He also served in the U.S. Army between his studies. His academic background and experience in acting and directing shaped his approach as a teacher and mentor.
In addition to his contributions to the world of acting, Palter’s directing skills were showcased in productions such as the comedy Nuts for the Los Angeles Stage Company. The play later became a film adaptation in 1987 starring Barbra Streisand, who also produced the film.
Palter’s wife of 64 years, actress Nancy Vawter, passed away in November 2020. They leave behind their daughter Catherine Palter and grandchildren Sam, Tessa, and Miranda.
Lew Palter will be remembered as a talented character actor, a dedicated teacher, and a beloved mentor. His impact on the theater community and the countless students he influenced will continue to be felt for years to come.
