Lew Palter Biography: Wife, Age, Death, Net Worth, Height, Titanic Role

Lew Palter was an American actor and theater educator, best known for portraying Isidor Straus in Titanic (1997).

With a Ph.D. in Theater, he had a distinguished career in film, television, and stage, while teaching acting at the CalArts School of Theater for over four decades, mentoring talents like Don Cheadle and Ed Harris.

Profile

• Full Name: Leon Louis Palter
• Stage Name: Lew Palter
• Born: November 3, 1928
• Age: 94 (at time of death, May 21, 2023)
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American Actor, Theater Educator, and Director
• Height: Unknown (not publicly disclosed)
• Parents: Mr and Mrs Palter
• Siblings: unknown
• Spouse: Nancy Vawter (married 1956–2020, her death)
• Children: 2 daughters (names not disclosed)
• Relationship: Widowed
• Net Worth: $1 million to $5 million

Early Life and Education

Lew Palter was born on November 3, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York City. His parents Mr and Mrs Palter, little is known about his siblings, and his early childhood is not publicly available, as he maintained a private personal life. Growing up in Brooklyn, he was likely exposed to New York’s vibrant theater scene, which influenced his career path.

Palter pursued higher education at Tufts University and Alfred University, earning undergraduate and master’s degrees, respectively. He later obtained a Ph.D. in Theater from Northwestern University, a prestigious program that equipped him for both acting and academic roles. His academic rigor and passion for theater shaped his multifaceted career as a performer, director, and educator.

Career

Lew Palter‘s career spanned over three decades, encompassing acting, directing, and teaching. He began performing in New York theater, appearing in productions like 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 collaborated with Robert L. Hobbs at the Millbrook Playhouse, directing and producing summer stock theater. His screen debut came in 1967 with a role in the television series Run for Your Life.

Palter guest-starred in numerous TV shows, including The A-Team (1983–1987), Charlie’s Angels (1976–1981), Baretta (1975–1978), The Virginian (1962–1971), Columbo (1971–2003), The High Chaparral (1967–1971), Gunsmoke (1955–1975), Mission: Impossible (1966–1973), The Six Million Dollar Man (1974–1978), Kojak (1973–1978), The Brady Bunch (1969–1974), The Flying Nun (1967–1970), and The Doris Day Show (1968–1973). He played Detective Clark in seven episodes of Delvecchio (1976–1977).

In film, Palter appeared in The Steagle (1971), First Monday in October (1981) as Justice Benjamin Halperin, and Titanic (1997) as Isidor Straus, a role that became his most iconic, depicting the historical figure who perished with his wife Ida on the ship. His last screen role was in Titanic, after which he focused on teaching.

From 1971 to 2013, Palter was a faculty member at the CalArts School of Theater, mentoring students like Don Cheadle, Ed Harris, and Cecily Strong. His teaching emphasized emotional depth and authenticity, earning him respect in the industry. X posts in 2023 noted his passing and Titanic legacy.

Social Media

• Lew Paltrow’s social media accounts are unknown to the media

Personal Life

Lew Palter resided in Los Angeles, California, until his death on May 21, 2023, at age 94 from lung cancer. He was married to actress and costumer Nancy Vawter from 1956 until she died in 2020, a 64-year partnership. They had two daughters, though their names are not disclosed.

His ethnicity was American, with possible Jewish heritage inferred from his role as Isidor Straus, though his faith was private. As a Scorpio, his dedication to theater reflected his intense and passionate nature. No hobbies or personal interests beyond his professional work are documented. He avoided public controversies, maintaining a respected and professional image.

Filmography

• Run for Your Life (1967, Series) – Guest Role
• The Flying Nun (1967–1970, Series) – Guest Role
• The High Chaparral (1967–1971, Series) – Guest Role
• The Doris Day Show (1968–1973, Series) – Guest Role
• The Brady Bunch (1969–1974, Series) – Guest Role
• The Steagle (1971, Film) – Supporting Role
• Gunsmoke (1955–1975, Series) – Guest Role
• Mission: Impossible (1966–1973, Series) – Guest Role
• Columbo (1971–2003, Series) – Guest Role
• The Waltons (1972–1981, Series) – Guest Role
• Kojak (1973–1978, Series) – Guest Role
• The Six Million Dollar Man (1974–1978, Series) – Guest Role
• Baretta (1975–1978, Series) – Guest Role
• Delvecchio (1976–1977, Series) – Detective Clark (7 episodes)
• Charlie’s Angels (1976–1981, Series) – Guest Role
• The Incredible Hulk (1977–1982, Series) – Guest Role
• First Monday in October (1981, Film) – Justice Benjamin Halperin
• The A-Team (1983–1987, Series) – Guest Role
• Day by Day (1988–1989, Series) – Supporting Role
• Titanic (1997, Film) – Isidor Straus

Net Worth

Lew Palter‘s estimated net worth was $1 million to $5 million at the time of his death in 2023. This speculative range, reflects earnings from his acting roles in Titanic, First Monday in October, and numerous TV appearances, as well as his long tenure as a CalArts professor (1971–2013). His income was likely modest compared to leading actors, given his supporting roles and academic focus.