Fiddler on the Roof

 The casting of Chaim Topol as Tevye in the 1971 film adaptation of "Fiddler on the Roof" stirred up some discussion at the time. Zero Mostel, who had first brought the role to life on Broadway, was known for his vibrant and charismatic portrayal of the character. Many assumed Mostel would naturally reprise his role in the movie, given how iconic his performance had become. However, director Norman Jewison made the surprising decision to cast Topol instead, believing that Mostel’s strong presence might dominate the film. Jewison explained that while Mostel’s performance was perfect for the stage, his larger-than-life persona could draw too much attention to the actor himself, rather than the character Tevye, in a film setting. He was concerned that Mostel’s fame might distract the audience from fully immersing in Tevye’s journey and struggles.

Chaim Topol, however, was far from an unknown talent. Before the 1971 film, he had already played Tevye over 400 times in London. By the time he was chosen for the movie, Topol had developed a deep connection with the character, bringing his own layers of depth and subtlety to the role. This experience helped him shape a version of Tevye that resonated with audiences on a global scale. Topol’s interpretation of Tevye was distinct from Mostel’s; while Mostel infused the character with humor and grandeur, Topol portrayed him with a more restrained dignity—a man who was proud of his Jewish heritage and bore a quiet sense of purpose. Jewison admired this aspect of Topol’s performance, remarking, “His Tevye never loses dignity and strength; he is a man who knows who he is and where he’s headed.”
Mostel’s contribution to the role remains significant, and Topol himself acknowledged this. He once said, "Anyone who plays Tevye owes a debt of gratitude to Zero Mostel. He gave us all space, and I know I wouldn't have done the film without the benefit of a year’s preparation on stage." Topol recognized that Mostel’s groundbreaking portrayal had opened doors for future interpretations of the character. While Mostel's Tevye was bold and full of comedic energy, Topol’s brought a different flavor that was more suited to film. Jewison’s confidence in Topol paid off, as his performance was widely praised and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
One challenge Jewison faced in casting Topol was his relatively young age at the time. To help him appear older and more in line with Tevye’s character—a weary, aging milkman—the makeup team employed creative techniques. In a personal touch, 15 white hairs from Jewison’s own beard were placed in Topol’s eyebrows—seven on one side, eight on the other. This meticulous attention to detail helped transform Topol into the weathered patriarch Tevye, embodying the weight of his hardships and traditions.
When Topol received his Oscar nomination in 1972, he was actively serving in the Israeli military. Despite his duties, he was granted leave to attend the ceremony in Los Angeles, highlighting the unique balance between his rising stardom and his military service. Although he did not win the Oscar, the nomination solidified his place in cinema history. His portrayal of Tevye, though different from Mostel’s, became just as legendary.
After "Fiddler on the Roof," Topol continued to play Tevye in productions across the globe, performing the role over 2,000 times in countries like the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and throughout Europe. His connection to the character remained strong, and each performance reflected the depth of his understanding and love for the role. Over time, Topol’s name became as closely associated with Tevye as Mostel’s had been on Broadway.
Chaim Topol passed away on March 8, 2023, at the age of 87, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He died in Tel Aviv, Israel, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by fans and critics alike. His portrayal of Tevye remains one of his most enduring contributions to film and theater, cementing his place in the hearts of audiences worldwide.