Acclaimed Israeli Actor and Director Yossi Pollak Dies at 81

Yossi Pollak, a celebrated Israeli actor and director, has passed away at the age of 81. Pollak was renowned for his extensive work in theater, including notable roles in "The Gypsies of Jaffa" and "Othello" at Habima National Theatre, and "The Gigolo from Congo" by Hanoch Levin at Tzavta Theater. His career also spanned film and television, with an appearance in the series "Nabulot" alongside Yehoram Gaon.

Habima Theatre issued a statement mourning his loss, calling him "one of the senior actors of the theater who left a mark on the culture of Israel." Born in 1945 to parents who immigrated from Transylvania, Pollak had a challenging childhood after his parents' divorce, growing up with his uncles. He later reflected in a 2014 interview that his difficult upbringing, marked by maternal abandonment and the absence of a father figure, led him to a profession constantly seeking audience love.

Pollak's theatrical journey began at the Hadassim Youth Village's theater, though he was expelled for disruptive behavior. He then studied at the Beit Tzvi acting school. His professional breakthrough came in 1969 when Nissim Aloni cast him in "Doda Liza" at Habima. He went on to star alongside legendary Israeli actors in "The Gypsies of Jaffa" and later directed a new version of the play at the Khan Theatre.

Throughout his career, Pollak performed in numerous leading roles across various theaters, including "Othello," "Uncle Vanya," "Napoleon - Alive or Dead," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "I'm Not Rappaport," and "Heroes," which he also directed. He was also known for his left-wing political stances, as was his son, Yonatan Pollak, a prominent activist.

At 69, Pollak chose to retire from acting, feeling he had fulfilled his desired roles and wanting to leave the stage on his own terms, rather than be phased out. He observed how even highly respected actors from previous generations were gradually sidelined. His son, Absalom Pollak, a dancer and actor, expressed pride in his father's decision to retire proactively, noting that Yossi was still in demand but chose to stop when he felt it was right.

Despite experiencing fatigue with the profession in his later years, Pollak cherished the magical moments of acting when the right text and the right person converged on stage, describing it as a unique and hard-to-explain experience.