Israeli Actress and Singer Shoshik Shani Dies at 91

Shoshik Shani, a renowned Israeli actress and singer, passed away at the age of 91. She began her career as a child performer in theater and later studied acting at the Cameri Theater studio. Shani served in the Nahal troupe and returned to the Cameri Theater, where she was part of the ensemble for over 30 years. Her notable stage roles included performances in "The Good Person of Szechwan," "He Walked in the Fields," "Champion of the Builders," and "You Never Know." She was especially remembered for her role as the Miller's Daughter in the iconic children's musical "Otz Li Gutz Li," one of Israel's greatest theatrical successes.

Beyond theater, Shani appeared in numerous films such as "Hole in the Moon," "Lupo," "Operation Jonathan," "The Fox in the Chicken Coop," "Hunting Elephants," and "Descending Upwards." On television, she featured in shows including "Hedva and Shlomik," "The 80s," "The Golden Girls," "Stockholm," "Dad is a Nurse," and "The Moon Years." Shani was also a beloved children's singer, with albums like "Tipshoni Roni" and "Shoshik Shani Sings and Tells" becoming classics, and songs such as "Michael" and "What Do the Trees Do" cherished by generations. She lent her voice to Hebrew dubs of Disney films, notably as the Evil Queen in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and Ursula in "The Little Mermaid."

Shani was married to singer and actor Arik Lavi. The couple lived in New York for a time, where she studied acting, and upon returning to Israel, they created several performances that made them a prominent entertainment duo. In her later years, Shani taught acting, speech coaching, and led theater workshops, continuing to appear on screen well into old age. She is survived by two daughters: Professor Noa Lavi, a sociologist and television researcher, and journalist Yael Lavi. Details about her funeral have not yet been announced.