Israeli actor, theatre artist, and television performer Rami Heiberger died this morning after a battle with cancer. He was 62 years old. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Born in 1963, Heiberger lived in Tel Aviv for most of his life. He began his acting training at the Nissan Notiv School, which he completed in 1989, and immediately joined the Cameri Theatre. There he appeared in productions of Macbeth and Also in the Nobles. He later conceived and performed a one-man show, Ta’atua’on, based on a book by Yitzhak Ben-Ner, which also played at the Cameri. Heiberger also took part in The Imaginary Invalid.
Over the years, his stage credits expanded to include a wide range of classics and modern works such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, waiting for Godot, Three Sisters, The Lady from Juliet, Ta’atua’on, Hametz, Seven, The Seagull, Popcorn, Two Drops of Water, A Black Box, War, and The Little Traitor.
He began his film and television career even before completing his acting studies, appearing in Yehuda Barkan’s 1985 film Compote Shoes, the TV musical Scaffolds in 1987, and the 1991 film Sarah Aaronson, directed by Orna Ben-Dor.
From 1993 to 1997, Heiberger was a member of The Cameri Quintet, a landmark Israeli sketch show that aired on commercial television and featured a cohort of notable comedians. The program, known for its sharp, sometimes provocative satire, left a lasting imprint on Israeli TV comedy, and Heiberger stood out in the ensemble. One of the most talked-about sketches depicted the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in a prison cell, a moment that many viewers later regarded as a controversial, prophetic note on forgiveness and justice.
In film, Heiberger appeared in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List as Yosef Bau and in Hagai Levi’s Snow on August. He played Noad in 1995’s Actors, Claudio in Arna and Yuḥanan Raviv’s Dogs Do Not Bark in the Green, and Lt. Col. Alon Sagiv (“Krembo”) in Dror Shaul’s cult favorite Mivtza Savta in 1999.
The turn of the millennium brought roles in the drama The Bourgeois (2000), Gift from Heaven (2003), Forever with Mickey Rukovitz (2004), and Moishe Voldman in Letters to America (2006). That year he also appeared as a panelist on the late-night show Moadon Laila.
In 2007, Heiberger portrayed himself in BeShurot Tovot (Good News) and played Mr. Liebovitz in The Little Traitor, as well as starring in the series La’Hotzi et HaKelev. In 2008 he took on a notable role in BeTipul (In Treatment), and in 2010 he appeared in HaBorer. The following year he featured in The Prime Minister’s Children (Yaldei Rosh HaMemshala).
In 2014 he acted in the Swiss film Shachar, and in 2015 he played a deputy security guard in Franco’s What Could Happen?! In 2017 he was part of the TV movie The Man Who Tried to Prevent War / Levi Eshkol’s Efforts to Avert the Six-Day War, portraying Moshe Dayan.
His later screen work included appearances in the TV series Kol HaDvarim, Other Lives, Chief Cashier, Menaich, Stockholm, and Normal. He also appeared in the 2021 film The House on Pine Street. In 2023 he reprised the role of Moshe Dayan in the international production Golda, directed by Guy Netiv and featuring Helen Mirren.
Heiberger’s passing is mourned by colleagues and fans who remember him for his versatility and fearless range—from biting satire to serious dramatic turns, and for bringing warmth and intensity to every project he touched.
Tributes and memorials are expected to reflect on his contributions to Israeli theatre, film, and television, and to celebrate a career that spanned several decades of cultural life.
Summary: Rami Heiberger, a prolific Israeli actor whose work bridged stage, screen, and TV—from the Cameri Theatre to internationally recognized films—has died after a battle with cancer. He leaves behind a legacy of diverse performances and memorable characters that touched audiences across generations.
Optional note for editors: Consider arranging a retrospective span of Heiberger’s work across stage and screen, including highlights from The Cameri Quintet era and key film and TV roles, to honor his breadth as a performer. A tribute piece could feature quotes from colleagues and a brief guide to recommended credits for readers newly discovering his work.