David Opatoshu
A stalwart character actor who brought a world-weary gravitas to roles exploring Jewish identity, from Broadway stages to Hollywood epics.
1918–1996 (age 78)·American actor·Birthday: January 30·The Greatest Generation
Biography
David Opatoshu’s career was a bridge between the Yiddish theater of his youth and the global reach of Hollywood. Born in New York City in 1918 to a family steeped in the Yiddish literary world, he began writing and acting for the stage, honing a grounded, intelligent presence. His breakthrough came on Broadway in the 1950s, but it was film that granted him wider recognition. He became a sought-after character actor, often portraying rabbis, intellectuals, and community elders with a deep, unspoken history. His most famous role came as Akiva Ben Canaan, the passionate Zionist leader, in Otto Preminger's 1960 epic *Exodus*. With his resonant voice and thoughtful demeanor, Opatoshu specialized in men of conviction, bringing authenticity to stories of diaspora, faith, and struggle across decades of television and film.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
David was born in 1918, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1918
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1918Born
World War I ends; Spanish flu pandemic kills millions
President: Woodrow Wilson
1923Started school
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1931Became a teenager
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1934Could drive
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1936Could vote
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1939Turned 21
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1948Turned 30
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1958Turned 40
NASA founded
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Volare" — Domenico ModugnoBest Picture: Gigi
1968Turned 50
Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy assassinated
Gas: $0.34/galHome: $14,950Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Hey Jude" — The BeatlesBest Picture: Oliver!
1978Turned 60
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1988Turned 70
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Died at 78
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the pivotal role of Akiva Ben Canaan in the landmark film *Exodus* (1960).
- Won an Emmy Award for his performance in the television series "The Defenders" in 1962.
- Acted in over 50 films and made numerous television guest appearances on shows like "Gunsmoke" and "Mission: Impossible".
- Had a successful early career as a writer and performer in Yiddish theater.
Did You Know?
He was the son of the noted Yiddish writer and journalist Joseph Opatoshu.
He wrote episodes for the classic television series "The Untouchables".
He played the Klingon official Gorkon in an episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation".
He provided the voice for the character of Jank in the animated film "The Hobbit" (1977).
“The character's history, his roots, that's what you must carry with you into every scene.”
