Alon Aboutboul dead: Batman and Rambo star dies aged 60 after 'collapsing on beach'

Alon Aboutboul has died at the age of 60. According to local news, the Dark Knight Rises and Rambo III star reportedly "collapsed on a beach" on HaBonim Beach in Tel Aviv on Tuesday morning. It has been reported that Alon was "pulled from the water conscious, but collapsed shortly after reaching the shore." The cause of his death has not yet been revealed. The Israeli actor was known for his role as a Russian nuclear physicist, Dr Pavel, in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises. During his successful career, he also appeared in films such as Munich and Body of Lies, and starred in hit TV shows Homeland, NCIS: Los Angeles, Law & Order: SVU, and Snowfall.

Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar has paid tribute to the actor, commenting: "I was deeply pained to hear of his sudden death. Last night I watched an interview with him, where he talked about filming a movie he recently participated in, and the passion for the profession that radiated from him was evident even after so many years in the field.

"Alon was an Ophir Award and Television Academy Award winner and over the years portrayed a wide range of characters to which he brought depth and emotion, leaving a deep mark on Israeli culture. May his memory be blessed."

He was born in Kiryat Ata to Algerian and Egyptian parents. Although he mainly appeared in films and television shows, Alon also had a distinguished stage career, featuring in Hamlet for the Habima Theater.

His movie career kicked off in 1980, and while he starred in plenty of gritty thrillers, Alon also appeared in comedy and lighter movies such as Savi Gabizon's Nina's Tragedies.

Fans have started to pour in tributes on social media. One person said on X: "Actor Alon Aboutboul, one of Israel's finest, passed away this morning. For me, he was a giant. Gone too soon. May his memory be a blessing, and his work a lasting legacy."

A second also said on Instagram: "Such sad news. I was genuinely so sad to read about it this morning." A third similarly said on Instagram: "So, so sad. What a talent x."

Alon is survived by his partner Shir Bilya, who is an Israeli director, and his four children.