Professor and veteran actor Lew Palter passed away at his Los Angeles home on May 21 at the age of 94 due to lung cancer. Palter was well-known for his role as Isidor Straus, a real-life department store magnate, in James Cameron’s blockbuster film Titanic. He also played Associate Justice Benjamin Halperin in Ronald Neame’s Supreme Court dramedy First Monday in October.
In addition to his acting career, Palter was a highly regarded professor at the CalArts School of Theater. Some of his notable students include Ed Harris, Don Cheadle, and Cecily Strong. Strong, who graduated from CalArts in 2006, expressed her gratitude for Palter’s guidance and influence in her career, particularly in pushing her towards comedic roles.
Palter’s impact extended beyond the film industry. He directed plays off-Broadway and taught at CalArts, where he mentored Harris and Cheadle. Throughout his career, Palter appeared in various TV shows, including Delvecchio, The Flying Nun, Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law, and The A-Team. He also directed off-Broadway plays, including the Los Angeles Stage Company’s production of Nuts.
Palter is survived by his daughter Catherine Read Palter and three grandchildren. His passing coincides with renewed interest in Titanic following the recent tragedy involving the OceanGate Titan submersible. Wendy Rush, the wife of late OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, is related to Isidor and Ida Straus, whom Palter portrayed in the Titanic film.
Isidor and Ida Straus, who were co-founders of Macy’s department store, tragically perished aboard the Titanic. Their love story and final act of compassion as the ship sank were immortalized in the film. Wendy Rush, a descendant of the couple, continues their legacy.
The passing of Lew Palter reminds us of the enduring impact of storytelling and the connections that exist between real-life events and the arts.
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