‘Titanic’ Star Lew Palter Dead At 94

ByAllie Johnson
Lew Palter - Catherine Read Palter - Instagram

Tragic breaking news as Titanic star Lew Palter — who played the role of Isidor Straus — has been confirmed dead at the age of 94. Tragically, his character in the movie recently made headlines as Isidor Straus was based on a real person on the actual Titanic.

As Tv Shows Ace previously reported, the character was based on the real-life Isidor, who happened to be the great great grandfather of OceanGate SEO Stockton Rush’s wife. As those who followed the OceanGate story know, Stockton was one of five confirmed dead in the missing Titan submarine recently. So, the timing of Lew Palter’s death is especially chilling to those who have been following the OceanGate story.

Titanic Star Lew Palter Dead At 94

The actor’s daughter, Catherine, confirmed news of his death to The Hollywood Reporter last night. Tragically, Lew Palter’s cause of death was confirmed to be lung cancer. His daughter revealed her father passed away on May 21 in the comfort of his own home after losing his battle with lung cancer.

Lew Palter was best known for playing the iconic role of Isidor Straus, the co-owner of the department chain Macy’s, in the 1997 Titanic film. The characters Isidor Straus and his wife Ida (played by Elsa Raven) were remembered for the heartwrenching scene where the characters cuddled up in a bed inside of their cabin as the ship filled with water. In real life, the OG couple faces a serious fate when Ida refused to take a spot on the lifeboats away from a younger passenger. Survivors recalled watching Ida locking arms with her husband as the ship sank.

Per IMDb, Lew Palter was best known for his role in the Titanic. But, he had a little over 50 acting credits to his name. Some other acting credits on his resume included:

  • The Waltons 
  • Day By Day
  • The Incredible Hulk
  • Hill Street Blues 
  • The Rules Of Marriage

In addition to being an actor, Lew Palter was also an acting teacher and a director from the 1970s until he retired in 2013. He also hosted private workshops and shared his teachings with students all over the world. Among the thousands of students he taught over several decades included Ed Harris, Don Cheadle, and Cecily Strong.

In addition to obtaining a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D., Lew Palter also enlisted and served in the U.S. Army.

Sadly, his wife of 64 years, Nancy Vawter, passed away in November 2020. According to their daughter Catherine, Nancy’s agents tried to land her the part of her husband’s wife in Titanic. Unfortunately, she was shot down as they were looking for a “different type of actress” for the role.

Rest in peace, Lew Palter.

Allie Johnson
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