Lew Palter, who was featured in an iconic scene of the movie Titanic, has sadly passed away at the age of 94.

The veteran actor played department store head Isidor Straus in the movie and was the old man who drowned in bed with his wife as the ship was sinking.

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Straus was one of the owners of Macy’s and was one of the wealthiest passengers on the ship. He refused to get on a lifeboat while women were still waiting to board them and his wife wouldn’t leave without him.

OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush’s wife is actually the great-great-granddaughter of the Strauses. Stockton passed away last week in the submersible that imploded during a trip to the Titanic wreckage site.

Palter‘s daughter told The Hollywood Reporter that he died at his Los Angeles home on May 21. The cause of death was lung cancer.

In addition to his role in Titanic, Lew was featured in First Monday in October, The Flying Nun, and Hill Street Blues. He also served as an acting teacher at CalArts School of Theater from 1971 until 2013.

“Lew loved the craft of acting and taught his students to do the same. He fostered deep curiosity, care, intellect and humor in every scene, play and class,” CalArts School of Theater Dean Travis Preston said in a statement. “He had the utmost respect of his students and encouraged all to find truth in their work and lives.”

We’re sending our thoughts and condolences to Lew‘s loved ones during this difficult time.