Daughter of Late Israeli Director Roni Pinkovitz Criticizes Cultural World for Overlooking His Death

Six years after Israeli theater director and actor Roni Pinkovitz chose euthanasia in Switzerland following a long battle with multiple sclerosis, his daughter, actress Ian Pinkovitz, is creating a drama series inspired by her family’s experience. In an interview with mako, Ian revealed the project is a fictional crime drama based on their story, currently in early development as she seeks a production company. She described the writing process as a complex emotional journey, uncovering new personal insights from her late father’s diaries, which he partially burned to protect his privacy.

Ian expressed frustration that the Israeli cultural scene has largely ignored her father’s legacy since his death in 2020 at age 56. Despite his significant contributions as a prominent theater director who nurtured actors and shaped Israeli theater, no memorial events or projects have been dedicated to him. She believes this neglect stems partly from discomfort around his chosen death and the secrecy surrounding his illness. Ian also recounted feeling hurt by the indifference of some industry figures after her father’s health declined and following his passing during the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited traditional mourning rituals.

The series aims to honor Roni Pinkovitz’s memory, explore the family’s struggle with his decision, and address the taboo of death by choice. Ian emphasized the importance of portraying a full, nuanced story of life, illness, and loss. She also shared that she cannot imagine anyone else playing her father in the series, seeing only him in her mind. Supported by her family, including her mother, former actress Tomi Yoel, Ian hopes to hold a commemorative event this year marking six years since his death.

Ian Pinkovitz, 28, is a graduate of Beit Zvi School of Acting and has appeared in several Israeli TV series and theater productions. She clarified that her public post about her father was a personal expression rather than a promotional effort for the series. She hopes the project will provide a meaningful way to process trauma and open dialogue about euthanasia and chronic illness in Israeli society.