Acclaimed Israeli Actor and Director Yossi Pollak Dies at 81

Yossi Pollak, a highly regarded Israeli actor and director, passed away on Saturday at the age of 81. Pollak had a distinguished career spanning over four decades, marked by numerous roles on stage, screen, and television, as well as his directorial work.

Born in 1945, Pollak studied acting at Beit Zvi and began his professional career in the early 1970s. He was significantly influenced by playwright and director Nissam Aloni, whom he considered his teacher. Pollak appeared in Aloni's productions such as "Napoleon Hai O Met" and "Doda Liza," and later directed "The Gypsies of Jaffa." In a 2014 interview, Pollak stated that Aloni taught him a great deal about acting and theater.

Throughout his career, Pollak performed with major Israeli theater companies including Habima, Cameri, Haifa Theatre, Beit Lessin, and Khan Theatre. His notable stage performances included roles in "Othello," "Uncle Vanya," "King Lear," "Of Mice and Men," and "The Gin Game," for which he won Actor of the Year. As a director, he staged productions like "Endgame," "Orphans," "Othello," and "Romeo and Juliet."

Beyond theater, Pollak also appeared in films such as "The House on Shlush Street," "Not for Broadcast," and "Must Be Happy," and in television series like "Chava and Shlomi" and "Nibolot."

Pollak chose to retire from acting over a decade ago, stating in a 2014 interview that he had fulfilled all his dreams. Habima Theatre issued a statement mourning his passing, acknowledging his significant impact on Israeli culture and extending condolences to his family.