Titanic actor Lew Palter has died aged 94
The actor whose character was seen cradling his elderly wife in Titanic has died at the age of 94.
Lew Palter portrayed an older gentleman who went down with the ship in James Cameron's 1997 film, creating an iconic and heartbreaking moment as he and his wife accepted their fates.
More than two decades after the film's release, Palter's daughter, Catherine Palter, confirmed the news of her father's death this week after he passed away on 21 May.
The actor died at his home in Los Angeles after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
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Catherine told The Hollywood Reporter that her father 'seemed to have truly changed people’s lives' through his work as a teacher.
CalArts, where Palter was a longtime faculty member, also shared the sad news in a statement on Twitter, writing: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that longtime #calartstheater faculty Lew Palter has passed away. Lew retired from @CalArts in 2013, having served our community since 1971 as an acting teacher, director, and mentor.”
Travis Preston, dean of CalArts School of Theater Dean, fondly remembered Palter as he commented: "Lew loved the craft of acting, and taught his students to do the same. He fostered deep curiosity, care, intellect, and humor in every scene, play, and class.
"He had the utmost respect of his students, and encouraged all to find truth in their work and lives. His legacy is carried forth in the many careers, lives, and stories he touched, and our collective CalArts thoughts are with his family, friends, and theater community who loved him so.”
Saturday Night Live star Cecily Strong was among the students Palter taught at CalArts, and has credited the actor with encouraging her to try out for improv/sketch comedy group The Groundlings, which led to her breakout role on SNL.
Palter began his career on stage with performances in The Madwoman of Chaillot and An Enemy of the People before going on to work in television in 1967.
He was known for his recurring role as Detective Clark in the CBS drama series Delvecchio, and had also earned credits for appearances in Mission: Impossible, The Six Million Dollar Man and The Brady Bunch.
News of Palter's death comes just days after five people lost their lives when their submersible vessel imploded during a trip to explore the wreckage of the Titanic, which lies at the bottom of the Atlantic ocean.
Emily Brown