Retired Israeli theater, film star Yossi Pollak dies aged 81

Yossi Pollak, a renowned Israeli actor and director, passed away at the age of 81. Pollak had a prolific career spanning more than four decades in Israeli theater, film, and television. Born in 1945, he began his professional journey in the early 1970s. He was a versatile performer, appearing at prestigious venues such as Habima, Cameri Theatre, Haifa Theatre, Beit Lessin Theatre, and Khan Theatre.

In theater, he was a part of numerous productions and directed remarkable works including "Endgame," "Orphans," "Othello," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Of Mice and Men." His filmography includes movies like "The Thousand Wives of Naftali Siman Tov," "The Silver Platter," "Shuf Al HaPartzuf," and "A Place in Heaven." Pollak was particularly celebrated for his roles in "Othello," "Uncle Vanya," "King Lear," "Of Mice and Men," "The Story of a Horse," "The Bent," and "I'm Not Rappaport," earning him the title of Actor of the Year for the latter.

He had announced his retirement from acting more than a decade ago in an interview with Walla Culture, stating, "I have already fulfilled all my dreams." Upon news of his demise, Habima Theatre expressed its sorrow, acknowledging Pollak as a leading actor who left a lasting impact on Israel's cultural landscape.