Alon Aboutboul, star of Israeli and Hollywood films, dies at 60 on beach

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 30, 2025 00:42 IST

Iconic Israeli actor Alon Aboutboul died on Tuesday at the age of 60. His body was found at Habonim Beach in northern Israel.

Magen David Adom emergency services reported that Aboutboul fainted after exiting the water and could not be resuscitated despite immediate medical response.

Aboutboul was a giant in Israeli film, television, and theatre for over 40 years. He was universally admired for the variety of roles he played and received numerous awards during his career, including an Ophir Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2003 for Nina's Tragedies.

Although he started his career in Israeli movies like The Boarding School and Bar 51, his breakthrough came in the 1986 war film Two Fingers from Sidon, in which he played a young soldier. His acting range varied from lighthearted roles to complex political leaders.

Aboutboul successfully transitioned to international productions, appearing in Rambo III, Steven Spielberg’s Munich, Ridley Scott’s Body of Lies, and Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, in which he played a Russian scientist. He also appeared in guest roles on American television series such as Law & Order, Homeland, and Twin Peaks.

Born in 1965 in Kiryat Ata to a Mizrahi Jewish family of Egyptian and Algerian descent, Aboutboul attended the Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts, according to the Times of Israel. He remained deeply rooted in Israeli theatre and television, frequently performing at major venues like Tel Aviv’s Habima Theatre.

Aboutboul also dabbled in reality TV and won My Kitchen Rules VIP in 2024 with his partner Shir Bilia. He made a brief foray into politics by running for the Knesset under the Labor Party in 2006. Alon Abutbul leaves behind his partner Shir Bilia and four children.

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