AKA: Haym Topol, Chaim Topol
Nationality: Israeli
Birthdate: 09/09/1935
Birthplace: Tel Aviv, Israel
Zestful, vigorous lead and supporting player, best known for his Tevye in the screen version of "Fiddler on the Roof" (1971)--a role he had previously played on the Tel Aviv and London stage. Since then Topol has worked primarily in the theater, making infrequent appearances in such films as "Before Winter Comes" (1968), "The Public Eye" (1972), "Galileo" (1974) and the James Bond actioner "For Your Eyes Only" (1980) and on TV in "Winds of War" (1982) and "War and Remembrance" (1988).
Worked as a technician in a Tel Aviv printing house at age 14
1953
After leaving school, joined Israeli army where acted with the entertainment unit and met his wife; fought in the British/French-led invasion of the Sinai peninsula
With army friend, writer Ephraim Kishon, started a satirical cabaret in Tel Aviv called the Spring Onion in early 1960s
Co-founded Municipal Theatre at Haifa (also leading actor)
Film debut in the Israeli comedy, "I Like Mike"
