Veteran theatre and film actor Tom Alter lost his battle against skin cancer at his residence and passed away at the age of 67. Alter was battling stage four skin cancer at a Mumbai hospital, where he was admitted earlier in September. Alter was an American-origin actor settled in India. In 2008, he was recognised with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour of India.
According to the manager of the Alter, Ismail Ansari “he returned home on Thursday and breathed his last on Friday night.”
Earlier, Tom Alter’s son Jamie had told a news agency that the actor was suffering squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. He had also told that his father was fighting cancer well and was showing the will to battle it out. In 2016, he had got his thumb amputated due to the condition.
Known for starring in television shows like Bharat Ek Khoj, Zabaan Sambhalke and Betaal Pachisi, he had a flourishing career on stage, and on the big screen as well. He has played pivotal roles in successful films like Gandhi, Shatranj Ke Khilari, Kranti, Aashiqui and Parinda.
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Alter’s made his Bollywood debut with Ramanand Sagar’s Charas in 1976. Apart from acting in over 300 movies apart from numerous TV shows, Alter was the first person to interview Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar for TV when the cricketer was yet to debut for India.
His sudden death has come as a huge shock to the Indian film fraternity. Bollywood actors took to Twitter and condoled the death of Alter. Here’s what they wrote:
I had the privilege of working with him in Bangistan. Will always remember him for his humility and kindness. #RIP #TomAlter https://t.co/xa9FLWcq7h
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) September 30, 2017
Waking up to some tragic news about the passing away of Mr. Tom Alter. A one of a kind, grace personified, thorough gentleman. #RIPTomAlter
— Nimrat Kaur (@NimratOfficial) September 30, 2017
An all rounder is what he was, with a heart of gold. Back in the day, I even studied acting under him. You will be missed dearly #TomAlter pic.twitter.com/VagrwVLDr4
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) September 30, 2017
American that loved #India His commitment to Indian culture films n poetry was absolute. A friend we can never say goodbye to RIP #TomAlter
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) September 30, 2017
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Bye #TOM u will always be remembered as our ftii friend great actor great teacher n greater human by all of us. RIP pic.twitter.com/oVSRNg1mbM
— Subhash Ghai (@SubhashGhai1) September 30, 2017
I had the honor of working with #TomAlter twice. He was the perfect example of a humble talented artist with a gigantic legacy.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) September 30, 2017
So sad to hear about Tom Alter sir.. had the honour of knowing him while doing a play in Delhi .. such a lovely human being. Rest in Peace.
— Huma Qureshi (@humasqureshi) September 30, 2017
Sad to know about #TomAlter Remember working with him as a AD in a film,His contribution 2 theater & cinema will be always remembered. RIP pic.twitter.com/EHpfvaMzz0
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) September 30, 2017
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
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