Lew Palter, the actor best known to the public as co-owner of Macy’s Isidor Straus in the 1997 classic “Titanic,” died last month, it was revealed Monday. He was 94 years old.
Palter died of lung cancer on May 21, his daughter Catherine said Hollywood reporter.
He was a well-recognized face on television, appearing on “The Flying Nun”, “Columbo”, “The Brady Bunch”, “Hill Street Blues” and “LA Law” amongst others.
Palter played a Supreme Court Justice in the 1981 comedy-drama The First Monday in October starring Walter Matthau and Jill Clayburgh.
He was also a lecturer at the CalArts School of Theatre.
One of his students, Cecily Strong, paid tribute to Palter on Instagram.
“Lew told me he thought I should take a category at the Groundlings,” she said. “I said there isn’t any way I’m a serious actor. Seems Leo was right. I used to be taking classes at Groundlings. This brought me back to Chicago to check improvisation. Then I ended up auditioning for Lorne Michaels. Thanks Lew.”
In a memorable scene from the Oscar-winning movie Titanic, Straus and his wife stay in bed together as a substitute of attempting to escape the ill-fated ship while the water pours through their room.
“For therefore a few years I could brag that my teacher was the old guy from the Titanic who selected to remain in bed,” Strong wrote. “Leo knew easy methods to live life well. Learn how to teach students to be not only higher actors, but additionally higher people.
Palter’s other students include Ed Harris and Don Cheadle.
Palter is survived by daughter Catherine and grandchildren Sam, Tessa and Miranda.
His wife, Nancy Vawter, died in 2020.
“Lew loved acting and taught his students to do the same. Fostered deep curiosity, concern, intellect and humor in every scene, play and sophistication, CalArts School of Theater Dean Travis Preston he said in an announcement.
“He held his students in the highest regard and encouraged everyone to search out the truth of their work and life,” said Preston. His legacy continues in the many careers, lives and stories he touched, and our shared CalArts thoughts are together with his family, friends and the theater community who loved him a lot,” Preston said.