Theodore Bikel

Theodore Bikel, born in Vienna, Austria, was clearly Jewish from birth, having been raised in a Zionist household. His family fled the Nazis in 1938, settling in Palestine, which tends to solidify one's Jewish origins and identity quite effectively. He then moved to London, and eventually to the United States, becoming a citizen in 1961.

Bikel's Jewish identity wasn't just a birthright; it was a cornerstone of his life and career. He was a prolific folk singer, performing in multiple languages, including Yiddish and Hebrew, and was a co-founder of the Newport Folk Festival. Perhaps most notably, he originated the role of Tevye in the Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, a role he played over 2,000 times, embodying the quintessential Jewish everyman with a warmth that could melt a frozen shtetl.

Beyond the stage, Bikel was a passionate activist for human rights and Jewish causes. He served as president of Actors' Equity Association and was deeply involved with organizations like the American Jewish Congress. His dedication extended to fighting for civil rights alongside Martin Luther King Jr., proving that his commitment to justice wasn't just for show, but deeply ingrained.

While his acting career was varied, including roles in films like The African Queen and My Fair Lady, it was his unwavering public embrace of his heritage and his tireless advocacy that truly set him apart. He didn't just play a Jew; he was a Jew, loudly and proudly, and he made sure everyone knew it.