Veteran Israeli Actor Ilan Dar Dies at 89

Ilan Dar, a prominent Israeli actor known for his extensive work in theater, television, and film, passed away on Monday at the age of 89. Born Ilan Blauvais in Tel Aviv in January 1937, Dar began his acting career after his military service and went on to have a career spanning seven decades.

Dar was a founding member of Haifa Theatre and later performed with leading Israeli theaters, including Cameri Theatre and Beit Lessin Theater, appearing in hundreds of productions and portraying a wide range of dramatic and comedic characters. While he had a significant theater career, he is best remembered by the Israeli public for his role in the iconic cult television series "Close Close" ("Krovim Krovim") on the First Channel, which made him a fixture of early Israeli television.

His career also included numerous film roles, play translations, and directing. He appeared in films such as "Mitah Tova" (2014). Dar's notable television roles included "Close Close," "Life Is Not Everything," "The Kastner Trial," and "Line 300."

Throughout his career, Dar received several awards, including the Hannah Rovina Prize and the Tel Aviv Municipality Prize (1989), a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Artists' Association (2012), the "Yakir Tel Aviv-Yafo" title (2018), and the Arik Einstein Prize for the Arts (2023).

Dar lived in Tel Aviv and was married to Ruth Dar, a set and costume designer. They had a daughter, Erel Dar.