Shaike Ophir (1928-1987)

Shaike Ophir, one of the most important and gifted artists, directors, pantomimists and comedians active in Israel in the 20th century. Ophir started his career in the first Military Band, the "Chizbatron" and "Ohel" theater. Studied Pantomime with Étienne Decroux in France and performed with the pantomimist Marcel Marceau. Ophir was already then considered as an oustanding pantomimist and was even defined by "Life" magazine as one of the greatest pantomimists of all times. When Ophir returned to Israel he founded a pantomime theater and was a pioneer of the genre in Israel. Ophir gained his fame by acting in the theater and in films, in tens of roles, the most prominent of which was the film "Officer Azulay" directed by Ephraim Kishon. For this role Ophir was granted the Golden Globe prize as best actor and was a candidate for the Academy Award. For his extraordinary talent Ophir won the Meir Margalit Prize. The "Ophir Prize" of the Israeli Film Academy is named after him.
19 photos and 9 negatives in color of Shaike Ophir.
During performances; photos behind the scenes with VIPs, friends and family. The negatives feature, mainly, portraits for posters from three different sessions.