Lew Palter.Photo:Paramount +
Paramount +
Lew Palter, who starred in 1997’s Oscar-winning blockbusterTitanic, has died. He was 94.
The veteran actor died of lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles, California, on May 21, his daughter Catherine Palter confirmed toThe Hollywood Reporteron Monday.
Lew Palter in Titanic.Paramount +
“Lew told me he thought I should take a class at the Groundlings. I said no way I’m a serious actor. Turns out Lew was right. I took the class at the Groundlings. It brought me back to Chicago to study improv there. Then I ended up auditioning for Lorne Michaels. Thanks Lew.”
Palter also taught famous students Ed Harris andDon Cheadle.
Strong continued to reference the famous scene inTitanicof Palter’s character lying in bed with his wife as their room filled with water. “For so many years I got to brag that my teacher was the old guy in Titanic that chose to stay in bed,” she continued. “Lew knew how to live life well. How to teach students to be not only better actors but better people.”
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CalArts School of Theater Dean Travis Preston remembered Palter as someone who “loved the craft of acting and taught his students to do the same.” Prestonsaid in a statement, “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,” the Dean added. “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.”
source: people.com
