Acclaimed Israeli Actor and Director Yossi Pollak Dies at 81

Yossi Pollak, a prominent Israeli actor and theater director, passed away on Friday at the age of 81. Pollak was a significant figure in Israeli theater for over five decades, with a rich career spanning stage, film, and television.

Throughout his career, Pollak performed in numerous productions at leading Israeli theaters. At the Habima Theatre, he appeared in plays such as "Dodi Liza," "The Gypsies of Jaffa," "The Father," and "King Lear," where he played the title role. He also acted in "The Story of a Horse," "Crooked," "All My Sons," and "The Guys in the Back Row" at the Haifa Theatre and Beit Lessin Theater, earning him the Best Actor award at the Israeli Theatre Academy Awards for the latter. His film credits include "Half Half," "Go, Go, Go, Zippi," "Gamaliel the Wise," "The House on Third Street," "Atalia," "The Silver Platter," "Naftali Siman Tov's Thousand Wives," and "Must Be Happy."

On television, Pollak portrayed Ephraim alongside Yehoram Gaon in the 2010 series "Nebulot" and also appeared in the film "Outbreak X." In addition to his acting, Pollak directed several plays, including Samuel Beckett's "Endgame," "Orphans," "Robinson Crusoe," "Othello," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Of Mice and Men."

Pollak was also known for his strong political stances and outspoken criticism of the Israeli establishment and government. He was married to Tami, daughter of Nimrod Eshel, and is survived by his five children, including actor and dancer Avshalom Pollak and filmmaker Shi Carmel-Pollak.