History of Chaim Topol in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 29, 2024

Chaim Topol, known professionally as Topol, was an acclaimed Israeli artist, particularly recognized for his embodiment of Tevye in the musical "Fiddler on the Roof". His illustrious career, spanning from 1967 to 2009, saw him deliver over 3,500 performances as Tevye, both on stage and in the iconic 1971 film adaptation. Beyond acting, he showcased his talents as a singer and illustrator.

September 9, 1935: Birth of Chaim Topol

Chaim Topol was born on September 9, 1935.

October 2, 1956: Military Discharge and Marriage

Chaim Topol was discharged from military service on October 2, 1956.

1957: Formation of Kibbutz Theatre Company

Chaim Topol formed a kibbutz theatre company in 1957.

1960: Co-founding of Haifa Municipal Theatre and Work with Batzal Yarok

Chaim Topol co-founded the Haifa Municipal Theatre and began performing with the Batzal Yarok satirical theatre company in 1960.

1961: Film Debut in "I Like Mike"

Chaim Topol made his film debut in "I Like Mike" in 1961.

1963: Appearance in "El Dorado"

Chaim Topol appeared in the Israeli film "El Dorado" in 1963.

1964: Recipient of Israel's Kinor David Award

Chaim Topol received Israel's Kinor David award in arts and entertainment in 1964.

1964: End of Time with Batzal Yarok

Chaim Topol stopped performing with the Batzal Yarok satirical theatre company in 1964.

1964: Breakthrough Role in "Sallah Shabati"

Chaim Topol's breakthrough film role was in 1964 as the title character in "Sallah Shabati."

1965: Performance at the Cameri Theatre

Chaim Topol performed at the Cameri Theatre in Tel Aviv in 1965.

1965: Golden Globe Win for Most Promising Newcomer

Chaim Topol won the Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer - Male in 1965.

1966: First Performance as Tevye in Israel

Chaim Topol first played the role of Tevye in the Israeli production of "Fiddler on the Roof" in 1966.

1966: English-Language Film Debut in "Cast a Giant Shadow"

Chaim Topol made his English-language film debut as Abou Ibn Kaqden in "Cast a Giant Shadow" in 1966.

1967: Chaim Topol's Debut as Tevye in London

Chaim Topol first performed as Tevye in the London production of "Fiddler on the Roof" in 1967.

1967: Foundation of Variety Israel

Chaim Topol founded Variety Israel, an organization dedicated to helping children with special needs, in 1967.

1967: Release of Albums "Topol With Roger Webb And His Orchestra - Topol '68" and "Topol Sings Israeli Freedom Songs"

Chaim Topol released two albums in 1967: "Topol With Roger Webb And His Orchestra - Topol '68" and "Topol Sings Israeli Freedom Songs."

February 1968: Norman Jewison Selects Topol for "Fiddler on the Roof" Film

Director Norman Jewison chose Chaim Topol to star in the film version of "Fiddler on the Roof" in February 1968.

1968: Appearance on BBC Programme "It's Topol"

Chaim Topol appeared on the BBC One programme "It's Topol" in 1968.

1968: Release of "War Songs By Topol"

Chaim Topol released the album "War Songs By Topol" in 1968.

1971: Chaim Topol Stars in "Fiddler on the Roof" Film

Chaim Topol starred in the film adaptation of "Fiddler on the Roof" in 1971.

1971: Featured on "Fiddler on the Roof" Soundtrack Album

Chaim Topol was featured on the soundtrack album for the film production of "Fiddler on the Roof" in 1971.

1972: Best Actor Award at San Sebastián International Film Festival

Chaim Topol was awarded the Best Actor award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival for his performance in the film "Follow Me!" in 1972.

1972: David di Donatello Award for Best Foreign Actor

Chaim Topol won the David di Donatello Award for Best Foreign Actor in 1972.

1975: Appearance in "Galileo"

Chaim Topol appeared in the film "Galileo" in 1975.

1976: Lead Role in "The Baker's Wife" and Subsequent Firing

Chaim Topol was cast in the lead role of the musical "The Baker's Wife" in 1976 but was fired after eight months due to alleged unprofessional behavior.

1980: Role in "Flash Gordon"

Chaim Topol had a role in the film "Flash Gordon" in 1980.

1980: Role of Dr. Hans Zarkov in "Flash Gordon"

In 1980, Chaim Topol appeared as Dr. Hans Zarkov in the film "Flash Gordon."

1981: Playing Milos Columbo in "For Your Eyes Only"

Chaim Topol appeared as Milos Columbo in the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only" in 1981.

1981: Performance in "For Your Eyes Only"

Chaim Topol performed in the film "For Your Eyes Only" in 1981.

1981: Publication of Autobiography "Topol by Topol"

Chaim Topol's autobiography, "Topol by Topol," was published in London in 1981.

1983: Reprising Tevye on the West End

Chaim Topol reprised his role as Tevye in a revival of "Fiddler on the Roof" in London's West End in 1983.

1984: Release of "Topol's Israel" Album

Chaim Topol released an album titled "Topol's Israel" in 1984.

1985: Featured in BBC Series "Topol's Israel"

Chaim Topol was featured in a six-part BBC One series titled "Topol's Israel" in 1985.

1988: Starring in "Ziegfeld" in London

Chaim Topol starred in the title role of the musical "Ziegfeld" at the London Palladium in 1988.

1989: U.S. Touring Production of "Fiddler on the Roof"

In 1989, Chaim Topol embarked on a 30-city U.S. tour with "Fiddler on the Roof," playing Tevye.

1990: Broadway Revival of "Fiddler on the Roof"

Chaim Topol starred as Tevye in a Broadway revival of "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Gershwin Theatre in 1990.

1991: Broadway Revival of "Fiddler on the Roof"

Chaim Topol starred in a Broadway revival of "Fiddler on the Roof" in 1991.

1991: Tony Award Nomination and Continued Performances

Chaim Topol was nominated for a Tony Award for his role in "Fiddler on the Roof" in 1991. He continued to perform as Tevye in various productions.

1994: Publication of "To Life!"

Chaim Topol authored the book "To Life!," which was published in 1994.

1994: London Revival and Family Collaboration

In 1994, Chaim Topol starred in another London revival of "Fiddler on the Roof," this time with his daughter, Adi Topol Margalith, playing one of his daughters in the production.

1995: Publication of "Topol's Treasury of Jewish Humor, Wit and Wisdom"

Chaim Topol's book, "Topol's Treasury of Jewish Humor, Wit and Wisdom," was published in 1995.

1997: Touring Production of "Fiddler on the Roof" in Israel

Chaim Topol reprised his role as Tevye for a touring production of "Fiddler on the Roof" in Israel in 1997.

1998: Performances in Israel and Melbourne

Chaim Topol performed as Tevye in Israel and at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne in 1998.

2003: Voice Acting in "The Jungle Book 2"

Chaim Topol lent his voice to the character of Bagheera in the Hebrew-language version of "The Jungle Book 2" in 2003.

September 2005: Return to Australia for "Fiddler on the Roof"

Chaim Topol returned to Australia in September 2005 for a revival of "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney.

April 2006: Brisbane Production of "Fiddler on the Roof"

Chaim Topol performed in "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Lyric Theatre in Brisbane in April 2006.

June 2006: Melbourne Production of "Fiddler on the Roof"

Chaim Topol performed in "Fiddler on the Roof" at Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne in June 2006.

May 2007: Auckland Performance of "Fiddler on the Roof"

In May 2007, Chaim Topol starred in a production of "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Auckland Civic Theatre.

2008: London Stage Return in "Gigi"

Chaim Topol returned to the London stage in 2008, playing the role of Honoré in a production of "Gigi."

2008: Outstanding Member of the Israel Festival

Chaim Topol was recognized as an Outstanding Member of the Israel Festival for his contributions to Israeli culture in 2008.

2009: Farewell Tour of "Fiddler on the Roof"

Chaim Topol began his farewell tour of "Fiddler on the Roof" as Tevye in 2009, marking the end of his long-running association with the role.

2009: Chaim Topol's Final Performances as Tevye

Chaim Topol gave his final performances as Tevye in 2009.

2011: Documentary "Chaim Topol – Life as a Film"

A Hebrew-language documentary about Chaim Topol's life, titled "Chaim Topol – Life as a Film," aired on Israel's Channel 1 in 2011.

2012: Co-founding of Jordan River Village

Inspired by Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Chaim Topol co-founded Jordan River Village, a vacation village for children with serious illnesses, in 2012.

2013: Israeli Stamp Series Featuring Topol's Sketches

In 2013, the Israel Philatelic Federation issued a series of stamps featuring Chaim Topol's sketches of Israeli presidents.

2014: Commemorative Stamp for "Fiddler on the Roof" Anniversary

A commemorative stamp featuring Chaim Topol's self-portrait as Tevye was issued in 2014 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Broadway debut of "Fiddler on the Roof."

2014: Honorary Degree from the University of Haifa

Chaim Topol received an honorary degree from the University of Haifa in 2014 in recognition of his contributions to Israel's cultural and public life.

2014: "Raising the Roof": 50th Anniversary Tribute to "Fiddler on the Roof"

In 2014, Chaim Topol appeared in "Raising the Roof," a tribute to the 50th anniversary of "Fiddler on the Roof" at New York City's Town Hall.

2015: Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement

Chaim Topol was awarded the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement in 2015.

2015: Honored by the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Jewish Community

In 2015, Chaim Topol was honored by the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Jewish Community, recognizing the inspirational impact of his portrayal of Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof."