Acclaimed Israeli Actor Ilan Dar, Star of 'Close Relatives', Dies at 89

Acclaimed Israeli actor Ilan Dar, best known for his role in the beloved sitcom "Close Relatives" (Krovim Krovim), passed away on Monday at the age of 89. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:00 PM at the Kiryat Shaul cemetery.

Dar enjoyed a career spanning over six decades, gracing both stage and screen. Beyond his iconic portrayal of Ilan in "Close Relatives," he appeared in notable films such as "Mita Tova" (A Good Death), "Ben Lekach Bat" (Son Takes Daughter), and "My First Sony," as well as stage productions including "The Good Soldier Schweik," "Orezey Mitzvadim" (Suitcase Packers), and "Richard III."

Colleagues and creators remembered Dar fondly. Yehoram Gaon, who co-starred with him in "Close Relatives," described Dar as a "family member" and a "wonderful and dear man." Actress Lauara Rivlin recalled meeting Dar at 17, remembering his "special delicacy and fragility." Efraim Sidon, the creator of "Close Relatives," lamented the passing of cultural giants, calling Dar a "wonderful actor, a great friend, a man full of wisdom and much humor."

"Close Relatives" creator Efraim Sidon stated, "The giants around us are falling one by one. The people who shaped Israeli culture, its heroes, are dying and passing away. Ilan was a wonderful actor, a great friend, a man full of wisdom and much humor. He was incredibly cynical, which is a wonderful trait, and although in 'Close Relatives' he played a miser and a saver, he was a generous man full of talents. He was also tall and handsome. When I worked with him, he was in his prime, full of joy, and it's a shame he is no longer with us."

Dar was born in Tel Aviv in the late 1930s and began his acting career in the late 1950s at the Ohel Theater. He later joined the Haifa Theater ensemble and subsequently became a prominent actor at the Cameri Theater from 1978 onwards, appearing in numerous acclaimed productions. He also performed in plays at the Beit Lessin, Beer Sheva, and Habima theaters.

His television and film work began in 1963. While he had numerous roles throughout the 70s and 80s, his most significant exposure came in 1983 with "Close Relatives." In a 2003 interview, Dar reflected on the show's success, noting the cast's enthusiasm and the writers' skill in avoiding lowbrow humor. He continued to act in the 2000s, appearing in series like "My First Sony," "Life Is Not Everything," and "Golden Girls," as well as films such as "Driver," "The Institute," and "A Good Death."

Dar received multiple awards for his contributions to Israeli arts, including the Hanna Rovina Award, the AMI Award, the Eric Einstein Award for Arts, and was honored as a "Yakir Tel Aviv" (Distinguished Citizen of Tel Aviv). He is survived by his wife, Ruth Dar, a set and costume designer, and his daughter, Ariel.