Actor Yuval Segal Reflects on Career Shift to Sailing and Life in Israel

Veteran Israeli actor Yuval Segal, known for his roles in "The Gordin Cell," "Shtisel," and "Fauda," is currently enjoying a resurgence in his acting career with a role in the Habima Theatre's new comedy, "Mosquito in the Head." However, his passion has shifted significantly towards sailing over the past 15 years. What began as a supportive activity for his son's surfing hobby evolved into a deep personal connection with the sea.

Segal's journey into sailing was facilitated by Yoav, the owner of the "Yacht Club" sailing center, who offered him a complimentary skipper course. This experience proved transformative, leading Segal to obtain multiple sailing licenses, including a commercial one, and eventually to become an instructor himself. He describes the sea as a place of freedom and honesty, contrasting it with the complexities and judgments he sometimes feels within the acting profession. He found particular fulfillment in teaching, even overcoming initial insecurity to lead courses in Greece.

Despite his deep connection to sailing, Segal acknowledges the financial necessity of returning to acting. He expresses a complex relationship with his acting career, stating it's not a "love affair" and that at times he felt both he and the profession had grown apart. He admits his return to the stage is partly a compromise for livelihood, though he finds joy in his current role and the camaraderie at Habima.

Looking ahead, Segal dreams of owning a boat and sailing to distant shores, but his commitment to his family, including his three children aged 23, 15, and a daughter starting her career, anchors him in Israel. He views the country's founding and continued existence as a sacrifice paid in blood and sorrow, making emigration unthinkable.

Segal also touches upon the current socio-political climate in Israel, expressing concern over internal divisions and a lack of reconciliation. He believes the deep personal nature of the conflict fuels ongoing tensions. Reflecting on his past public image, he dismisses the "sex symbol" label from his youth as "pathetic," preferring the authenticity he finds at sea over the perceived superficiality and constant "new king, new queen" dynamic of the entertainment industry.