Israeli success in the world has many faces, and we'll focus on one aspect of it – Hollywood. So, here's a salute to the actors who are making and have made a mark where things happen. Who appear in series, who starred in movies, who became international stars. To truly build a career abroad is perhaps the most difficult thing an Israeli actor can do, an almost impossible task. And yet, they did it.

>> פלאנט הוליווד: 17 השחקנים הישראלים הכי מצליחים בחו"ל

Oded Fehr

A name primarily known to trashy 90s movie buffs, but a man who managed to star in quite a few films. Fehr, born in Tel Aviv, began his career in "The Mummy" with Brendan Fraser and even survived the sequel. He then also starred in the comedy "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo" (as the real gigolo), appeared in the series "Charmed," even had a guest role in Seth MacFarlane's animated series "American Dad," and most recently starred in the acclaimed "Star Trek: Discovery." A stable, long-lasting career is something worthy of respect.

Odelia Halavi

A pretty amazing success story that went a bit under the radar: Halavi was born in Rosh HaAyin and moved to Los Angeles when she was 19. She acted in series like "NCIS" and "Why Women Kill," but her breakthrough happened in recent years – when she's been starring for three years in the popular series "Law & Order" as Assistant District Attorney Samantha Maroun, one of the main roles, including an Israeli storyline they gave her post October 7th. Kudos.

Hiam Abbass

An amazing success that started in Nazareth and reached one of the most acclaimed series in history. Abbass was born in Israel in 1960 and participated in quite a few Israeli films – including "Paradise Now," "The Syrian Bride," and "Lemon Tree" – and also participated (like many on this list) in Steven Spielberg's "Munich." But probably the place you know her best from is the series "Succession," where she played Marcia, the current and unsettling wife of the great Logan Roy.

Ayelet Zurer

In Israel, Zurer is a household name – from her breakthrough in "A Matter of Time" (not the last time this series will be mentioned on this list), "Florentine," "War Room," "BeTipul," and even "Shtisel." But she also managed to leave her mark in Hollywood – she was cast in Steven Spielberg's "Munich," but stayed there afterwards and acted alongside Tom Hanks in "Angels & Demons," and also became Superman's biological mother in "Man of Steel." Even Krypton has Israeli representation.

Alona Tal

Children of the 2000s generation will forever remember Tal as one of the cast members of the comedy series "HaPijamot," while even bigger geeks will remember her as the one who sang the chorus of "The Final." But after that phase in Alona Tal's life, she became an actress in mostly mediocre series in the US, but she also had a role in the excellent series "Veronica Mars," where she acted alongside star Kristen Bell. In recent years, she has mainly starred in the action series "SEAL Team" and continues to maintain an active career.

Tomer Capone

Boaz from "Fauda," Daniel from "Taagad," Assi Ben Tovim from "Soon I Will Be Happily Married" (yes, that's the role that won me over. Deal with it) – Capone is well known to the Israeli audience in recent years, but his most significant role is undoubtedly as Frenchie in "The Boys" – one of the most brilliant superhero series on screen. The pro-Palestinians may be angry, but every time Capone lies to some American reporter that he's going to speak French, and then turns to the camera and speaks Hebrew, we fall even more in love with him. Oops, I said it – sorry.

Mark Ivanir

We promised "A Matter of Time," and we delivered. Teacher Doron became over the years Zvika Granot from Assi Azar's "L להיות איתה" – but when he's not starring in Israeli post-telenovelas, Ivanir is a very respected actor who has participated in quite a few successful films – from "Schindler's List" to "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," and also made a mark on television in series like "24," "Walker," and "CSI: Miami" and a brilliant dual role in "Barry" that reminded us what a chameleon he can be.

Lior Raz

An Israeli who became a household name, not only on screen but also behind it. Together with Avi Issacharoff, Raz was behind "Fauda," an Israeli hit that quickly became an international success through Netflix and turned Raz himself into a star. Since then, he has also appeared in "Operation Finale," a film about the capture of Adolf Eichmann, and even acted in "Gladiator 2." The archetype of the modern Israeli man, and a face that probably frightens everyone against us.

Ofra Haza (the late)

Ostensibly, she should have been in a parallel parade of musicians who made it big abroad, but Haza also had quite a cinematic moment – in 1998, she was chosen for one of the main roles in the huge film "The Prince of Egypt," an animated film about the biblical story of the Exodus. Haza played Yocheved, Moses' mother, alongside Ralph Fiennes, the late Val Kilmer, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum, Patrick Stewart, Helen Mirren, and even the great Steve Martin and Martin Short. Just do me a favor, no AI remake.

Ori Pfeffer

In Israel, Pfeffer is known as a veteran actor and Yael Goldman's partner (and often as the voice behind Red Auerbach, but that's a common mistake – it's his cousin Ari Pfeffer). Abroad, Pfeffer has a rather good record; among other things, he has appearances in Adam Sandler's "You Don't Mess with the Zohan," in "World War Z" alongside Brad Pitt, and even in "Hacksaw Ridge," a film directed by Mel Gibson (in these days when he wakes up in the morning and is fine with Jews). Recently, he played Saint Joachim in the talked-about biblical film "Mary."

Salim Dau

Another example of someone who managed to break through with one larger-than-life role. Dau is a veteran actor in Israel – from "Avanti Popolo," through "Gmar Gavia," "Yaffa Pictures," and also as Abu Amjad in Sayed Kashua's "Arab Labor." But Dau, a wonderful actor, rose to greatness that reached the British Isles and the great series "The Crown," where he played Mohamed Al-Fayed, the father of the millionaire Dodi Al-Fayed, who was the partner of the late Princess Diana. An amazing role that brought honor.

Alon Abutbul (the late)

A very respected actor in Israel. From his breakthrough in "Two Fingers from Sidon," to a string of major roles in Israeli cinema and television ("Beaufort," "Noodle," "Imale," "Shabatot VeHagim" – a very partial list). But Abutbul also recorded quite a few roles outside of Israel, the most prominent being his character of the Russian physicist, Dr. Leonid Pavel, in the film "The Dark Knight Rises." He was on stage in London in a production of "The Band's Visit," and even played the character of the Jewish gangster Meyer Lansky in a film about his life. An amazing career, which unfortunately ended prematurely.

Yousef Sweid

In Israel, Sweid is a household name, to the point where there's no need to elaborate. But he also made a mark abroad – he had a role (minor, admittedly) in the revered "Game of Thrones," and was also part of Shira Haas's series "Unorthodox" (who will be here very soon, don't worry). In recent years, he has been starring in a German Netflix production, "The Dead of Blum," in a leading role.

Shira Haas

A Cinderella story like no other: Haas broke through in "Shtisel" not long ago, as the young girl Ruchami. But since then? She starred in "Foxtrot," in the German mini-series "Unorthodox" (which was quite a hit on Netflix), in the film "The Zookeeper's Wife," and reached her peak when she got a role in Marvel's film "Captain America: Brave New World," where she played Sabra. So yes, the role was cut and the Israeli elements were diluted to despair, but this is just her beginning – she will still shoot sabras at Spider-Man. That's what happens in Marvel, right?

Natalie Portman

Honestly? She's the biggest Hollywood star on this list. What is there to say about Portman that hasn't been said? From her breakthrough as a child in "Léon," she only soared higher and higher: an appearance in the "Star Wars" film series, playing Jackie Kennedy in the film "Jackie," an Oscar for Best Actress in "Black Swan" – what's missing? Maybe a little more Israeli pride from her, but we're not measuring.

Gal Gadot

The most Israeli, the most famous, the most cringe-worthy, but who cares. The former beauty queen was on a clear path (see what I did there?) to a modeling career, but she quickly became a real Hollywood star – it started with "Fast & Furious" alongside Vin Diesel, which propelled her into the role of "Wonder Woman," making her a legitimate actress and star, even if not outstanding. She even guested on "The Simpsons" for crying out loud, what more do you want? Damn the nitpickers, she's one of us and we won't give her up.

Chaim Topol (the late)

Because ultimately, Topol is probably the biggest name that emerged in Hebrew culture. Born in 1936 in Tel Aviv, Topol visited all stations of Israeli entertainment – including the Nahal band and "Batzal Yarok" – and broke into the country's early cinema with "Sallah Shabati." But the real story happens in 1967, when Topol becomes the star of the musical "Fiddler on the Roof." The show becomes a hysterical international success on Broadway and the West End, and in 1971 a film is released from it that makes Topol an Oscar nominee for Best Actor. In the end, he "only" took two Golden Globe awards as an actor, an achievement that no one before or after him has reached. For decades, Topol was synonymous with "Israel" in the world – alongside the successful, artistic, and captivating (of hearts) aspect of the small country in the Middle East. He had already received the Israel Prize, but still – this is the time to receive some small honor from us too.