David Opatoshu was an American actor known for his roles in Exodus, Torn Curtain, and One Spy Too Many. Born on January 30, 1918, in New York City, Opatoshu had a versatile acting career spanning many years.
Personal and Family Life
David Opatoshu was married three times. His last wife was Nancy Judith Rigler, whom he married on May 22, 1984, until his passing in 1996. He also had children from his first marriage to Lillian Weinberg. Opatoshu was active in the New York Yiddish theater before transitioning to film and television.
Career Highlights
Opatoshu delivered the evening news in Yiddish on New York radio and served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He began his film career in 1939 and became known for his roles as ethnic characters, often portraying wise and beleaguered figures in both dramas and comedies. His performance in Exodus, where he played Akiva Ben Canaan, remains one of his most memorable roles.
Death and Legacy
David Opatoshu passed away on April 30, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. His contributions to film and television, particularly in roles that showcased Jewish characters, have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Opatoshu is remembered for his distinctive voice and versatility as an actor.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus | 1960-12-15 | Akiva Ben Canaan |
| Flash Gordon: The Greatest Adventure of All | 1982-07-16 | Prince Vultan (voice) |
| L’espion | 1966-10-19 | Orlovsky |
| Who’ll Stop the Rain | 1978-08-02 | Bender |
| Forced Vengeance | 1982-07-30 | Sam Paschal |
| One Spy Too Many | 1966-08-05 | Mr. Kavon |
| Tarzan and the Valley of Gold | 1966-07-01 | Augustus Vinero |
| The Brothers Karamazov | 1958-02-20 | Capt. Snegiryov |
| Beyond Evil | 1980-05-01 | Dr. Solomon |
| Party Girl | 1958-10-28 | Lou Forbes |