Lew Palter, known for his role as Isidor Straus in James Cameron's 1997 film "Titanic," has passed away at the age of 94. Beyond his appearance in the iconic film, Palter had a distinguished career as an acting teacher at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in Santa Clarita, California, where he served from 1971 until his retirement in 2013. He also held various acting roles in television series such as "Hill Street Blues" and "The Flying Nun," and maintained a strong presence in the theater world.

CalArts' Dean of the School of Theater, Travis Preston, shared a heartfelt statement with Fox News Digital, expressing deep sadness at Palter's passing. He described Palter as a beloved acting teacher, director, and mentor who instilled a love for the craft of acting in his students. Preston highlighted Palter's emphasis on curiosity, care, intellect, and humor, noting the profound respect he earned from his students. He further praised Palter's impressive stage and screen career and his lifelong dedication to the theater, emphasizing his straightforward, thoughtful, and sincere nature.

Palter's daughter, Catherine, confirmed that he passed away from lung cancer at his Los Angeles home on May 21st, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Throughout his career, Palter taught numerous notable actors, including Ed Harris, Don Cheadle, and Cecily Strong. Strong paid tribute to her former teacher on Instagram, describing him as a "great teacher" who "knew how to live life well." She fondly recalled being able to boast about her teacher being "the old guy in Titanic that chose to stay in bed."

Palter's portrayal of Isidor Straus, although a relatively minor role, provided one of the film's most touching moments. The scene depicted Straus embracing his wife, Ida, in bed as they awaited the ship's sinking. Both Isidor and Ida Straus perished in the tragic event of April 1912. A deleted scene showcases Straus urging his wife to board a lifeboat, to which she responds, "We've been together for 40 years, and where you go, I go."

Isidor Straus, co-owner of Macy's, refused a lifeboat while others remained on board, and Ida refused to leave his side. Notably, Wendy Rush, widow of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who perished in the Titan submersible implosion, is a great-great-granddaughter of the Strauses.

Born Leon Louis Palter in 1928, he earned degrees from Tufts University, Alfred University, and a Ph.D. in theater from Northwestern University. He served in the Army before embarking on his acting career. His television credits include roles in "Run for Your Life," "The Brady Bunch," and "L.A. Law." He joined CalArts in the early 1970s while continuing his on-screen performances. His daughter noted his significant impact as a teacher, stating that he "seemed to have truly changed people’s lives."

Palter is survived by his daughter and grandchildren: Sam, Tessa, and Miranda.