Shaike Ophir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shaike Ophir
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| שייקה אופיר | |
Shaike Ophir performing with actress Ziva Rodann in 1951
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| Born |
Yeshayahu Goldstein
November 4, 1928 Jerusalem, Mandatory Palestine
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| Died | August 17, 1987 (aged 58) Tel Aviv, Israel
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1947-1987 |
| Children | 2, including Karin Ophir |
Shaike Ophir (Hebrew: שייקה אופיר; November 4, 1928 – August 17, 1987) was a famous Israeli actor, comedian, and director. He was also known as Israel's first mime artist! A mime is someone who tells stories and acts using only body movements, without speaking.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Shaike Ophir was born in Jerusalem. His full name was Yeshayahu Goldstein-Ophir. His family had lived in Jerusalem for many years.
When he was a teenager, Shaike studied acting. In the 1940s, he joined the Palmach, which was a special army group. During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, he helped protect convoys going to Jerusalem. He also took part in battles at sea.
A Star is Born
Because he was so funny, Shaike joined the Chizbatron. This was an entertainment group for soldiers in the army. In the 1950s, he became very well-known. He was good at many things, like acting, comedy, and even singing! He even had some hit songs during this time.
Shaike Ophir acted in 28 films. He also wrote, directed, and starred in many different shows. He was an amazing mime and even performed with the famous mime artist Marcel Marceau.
International Fame
Shaike became very famous around the world for his role in the movie The Policeman. In this film, he played a police officer named Azoulay. The movie won a Golden Globe award in 1972 for Best Foreign-Language Film. It was also nominated for an Academy Award!
He also starred in other popular Israeli movies. These included Ervinka, Blaumilch Canal, and The Fox in the Chicken Coop. In 1977, he acted with Melanie Griffith in a movie called The Garden.
Stage and TV Work
In 1985, Shaike Ophir acted in a play called King Matt the First. This play was based on a children's book. He played seven different characters in the show! The play was very popular and ran for three years.
Shaike also directed plays for a famous Israeli comedy group called HaGashash HaHiver. He directed an Israeli movie called Hamesh Ma'ot Elef Shahor and wrote the stories for four other Israeli movies. He created many funny skits and comedy routines that people in Israel still enjoy today. He even had TV shows in the 1980s that taught people Arabic!
His last movie role was in the film The Delta Force with Chuck Norris.
Personal Life
Shaike Ophir was married twice and had four children. His daughter, Karin Ophir, also became an actress. Shaike Ophir passed away in 1987 from lung cancer.
Awards and Legacy
Shaike Ophir was such an important artist that Israel's main film award is named after him. It's called the "Ophir Award"!
Images for kids
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Shaike Ophir performing with actress Ziva Rodann in 1951
