  chaim topol (; born september 9, 1935), often billed simply as topol, is an israeli theatrical and film performer, singer, actor, writer and producer. he has been nominated for an academy award and a tony award, and has won two golden globe awards. ==early life== topol was born in tel aviv in 1935 in what was then the british mandate of palestine, to rel (nÃ©e goldman) and jacob topol. he first practised acting in amateur theatrical plays staged by the israeli army. subsequently he established his own theatre troupe in tel aviv, and in 1961 he significantly contributed to the foundation of the haifa municipal theatre. ==acting career== among topol's earliest film appearances was the lead role in the 1964 film sallah shabati by ephraim kishon â a play, later adapted for film, depicting the hardships of a mizrahi jewish immigrant family in israel of the early 1960s. the film was nominated for the academy award for best foreign language film and earned the actor the golden globe award for new star of the year - actor. in 1966, topol made his first english-language screen appearance as abou ibn kaqden in the big-budget mickey marcus biopic cast a giant shadow. he came to greatest prominence in the role of tevye the milkman in the long-running musical show fiddler on the roof, at her majesty's theatre.fiddler on the roof (the guide to musical theatre). retrieved december 29, 2007. after a major success on the west end stage, he later starred in the 1971 film version. in 1972, topol won a golden globe award and was nominated for a best actor oscar for his performance in the film. he was on active service with the 
1935_births Best_Musical_or_Comedy_Actor_Golden_Globe_(film)_winners David_di_Donatello_winners Israeli_male_film_actors Israeli_male_musical_theatre_actors Israeli_male_stage_actors Israeli_male_voice_actors Jewish_Israeli_male_actors Jewish_comedians Jews_in_Mandatory_Palestine Living_people People_from_Tel_Aviv