Indian actor Tom Alter passes away at 67
Tom Alter breathed his last on Friday night after battling skin cancer. Photo: The Indian Express
(Web Desk) - Veteran theatre and film personality Tom Alter passed away at his residence in Mumbai on Saturday.
The 67-year-old was battling stage four skin cancer since September.
Jamie Alter, Tom Alter’s son following the death of his father, in an official statement said: “It is with sadness we announce the death of Tom Alter, actor, writer, director, Padma Shri, and our dear husband and father."
PM expressed grief on the demise of Shri Tom Alter and recalled his contribution to the film world and theatre. He extended condolences to the family & admirers of Shri Tom Alter.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 30, 2017
According to the Indian Express, Alter breathed his last on Friday night with family and friends in attendance.
While Alter, an Indian actor of American descent, made his big screen debut in 1976 with a small role in Dharmendra-starrer ‘Charas’ and later went on to work in films such as ‘Shatranj Ke Khiladi’, ‘Gandhi’, ‘Kranti’, ‘Bose: The Forgotten Hero’ and ‘Veer Zara’, it was Alter’s sitcom ‘Zabaan Sambhal Ke’ that made him a household name. The 1990s series was the adaptation of British sitcom, Mind Your Language (1977).
Sad to hear of demise of veteran actor Tom Alter. He will be remembered by film lovers. Condolences to his family #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 30, 2017
Besides films and television, Alter’s presence in theatre has been noteworthy. His play, Ghalib In Delhi, had many shows across the country. He played the lead role of the subcontinent’s most celebrated poet, Mirza Ghalib.
The actor was admitted to hospital earlier this month after reporting serious body ache. His son had informed in earlier interviews that his condition was a relapse of the same illness which had happened previously too, reported the Indian Express.
May you rest in peace tom sir!!condolences to his near and dear ones. https://t.co/IKAT3KiM08
— Manoj Bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) September 30, 2017
RIP Tom Alter...have the fondest childhood memories of seeing him on zabaan sambhal ke... https://t.co/Cvb1zq2OuP
— Arjun Kapoor (@arjunk26) September 30, 2017
Losing his fight against cancer, the veteran actor passed away weeks later. A memorial service will be held next week for Alter at Malabar Hill.
Goodbye to you my trusted friend!! Actor Tom Alter, a Padma Shri awardee, dies of cancer at 67https://t.co/DkJkHZImO8
— Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) September 30, 2017
Alter, who was also honoured with India’s fourth highest civilian award – the Padma Shri Award in 2008 for his services to the field of arts and cinema, is survived by his wife Carol Evans Alter, son Jamie Alter and daughter Afshaan.
