Lew Palter

Leon Louis Palter (November 3, 1928 – May 21, 2023) was an American actor. He was best known for his role as Isidor Straus in the 1997 film Titanic. He was also a longtime instructor at the CalArts School of Theater.

Early life
Leon Louis Palter was born in New York City's Brooklyn borough on November 3, 1928. After studying at Tufts University and Alfred University, he earned a PhD in theater at Northwestern University.

Career
Palter appeared in New York productions such as The Madwoman of Chaillot and An Enemy of the People. He also directed Off-Broadway plays including Let Man Live, Overruled and The Trial of Lucullus. In 1965, he directed and produced with Robert L. Hobbs at the Millbrook Playhouse. He acted and directed on summer stock theaters. He began to appear on screen in 1967 with an appearance in the television series Run for Your Life. Palter guest-starred in television programs including The A-Team, Day by Day, Charlie's Angels, Baretta, The Virginian, Columbo, The High Chaparral, Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, The Six Million Dollar Man, Kojak, The Brady Bunch and The Flying Nun. He also played Det. Clark in seven episodes of the American drama television series Delvecchio, and guest-starred on The Doris Day Show. Apart from playing Isidor Straus in Titanic, Palter appeared in other films, such as The Steagle and First Monday in October.

Having started teaching acting at the CalArts School of Theater in 1971, Palter remained a faculty member there until his retirement in 2013. His many students included Don Cheadle, Ed Harris, and Cecily Strong.

Personal life
Palter was married to actress and costumer Nancy (née Vawter) from 1956 until her death in 2020. They had two daughters together.

Palter died from lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles, on May 21, 2023, at the age of 94.