Israel's News & Views Blog
It’s a sad day today for me and anyone who knew Poly (Israel Polikov). Last night, the actor and comedian passed away at the age of 66. He passed away as a result of an illness and in what seems very sudden to many. If you were a kid growing up in Israel in the Sixties and Seventies (and well passed it) you knew the comedy and humor that this great man brought into your life. The characters he created in comedy have become cultural icons and mimicked idols of so many. In many ways he epitomized the old romantic idea of the Israeli. He was best known for his participation in the landmark “Gashash Trio”, a three men comedy team that is at the core of Israel’s comedic heritage.
Poly was born in Jerusalem and grew up in Tel Aviv. He went to agricultural school (HaKfar HaYarok) and stood out with his acting talent. He was spotted early on and joined the Entertainment Troop in the army (Lahakat HaNachal). That was were he met his “partner in crime” for many years to come, Gavri Banai. The two joined the Roosters (HaTarnegolim) after the army and that’s where they met Shaike Levi, the third member of the Gashash. Their first show was in Nov. 1964. The rest is history…..
He will be greatly missed.
2 Comments
It is a sad day indeed,for my generation like for those younger
as well,who alwayss had a smile on their face just by thinking
about Poly and his partners shows. Many of us will remember him
for many years to come.
In the days before cable, when There was only ONE Israeli television station, groups like Poly and his companions made people smile. This was especially so in sad times like war.
With virtually scores of channels to choose from, and all those so-called reality programs, simple “homespun” Israeli entertainment is not as popular as it was. It’s a shame.
Poly’s passing marks the end of an era.
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