Acclaimed Israeli Actor and Director Yossi Pollak Dies at 81

Yossi Pollak, a prominent Israeli actor and director, passed away on Saturday at the age of 81. The Habima National Theatre, where Pollak performed in numerous productions, mourned his loss, stating he "left a mark on Israeli culture." Pollak studied acting at Beit Zvi school and launched an extensive theater career, appearing on major Israeli stages.

He performed in acclaimed plays such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "The Merchant of Venice," and "King Lear" at the Cameri Theatre. At Habima, his roles included "Othello," "Uncle Vanya," "The Father," and "Doctor Faustus." He also acted in "All My Sons" and "The Gin Game" at Beit Lessin Theater, earning him the Best Actor award at the Israeli Theatre Academy Awards for the latter.

Pollak also directed several plays, often acting in them as well, including "Of Mice and Men" at Beit Lessin Theater and "Endgame" at the Neve Tzedek Theater Center. He directed "Othello" and "Romeo and Juliet" at the Haifa Theatre.

His film career spanned the 1970s and 1980s, featuring in many Israeli films, including Moshe Mizrahi's "The House on Three Streets," which was nominated for an Academy Award. Other notable films include "Wise Gamaliel," "The Gypsies of Jaffa," and "Must Be Happy."

Pollak was married to Tami and had two children, Jonathan and Shaul. He had three children from a previous marriage: filmmaker Shi Carmeli-Pollak, actor and dancer Absalom Pollak, and Omer Pollak.