Chaim Towber

Chaim Shmuel Towber (Tauber, Toyber, , June 14, 1901, Mohyliv-Podilskyi — February 26, 1972, New York City ) was an American and Canadian actor of Jewish-Ukrainian descent, best known as the author of the song "I Love You So Much" (Yiddish: Ikh Hob Dikh Tsu Fil Lib).

Biography

Early life Chaim Towber was born on June 14, 1901, in the town of Mohyliv-Podilskyi (Yiddish name Molev) into a family of a poor tailor. He received education in a cheder and later attended a commercial school.

At the age of nine, Chaim made his debut in a family production of Abraham Goldfaden's play Doctor Almasaro. In the spring of 1917, he participated in the establishment of the Molev-Podilskyi society Di yidishe bine under the direction of Borukh Mozshvits, and on May 12 of the same year, he played the role of Shemay in Jacob Gordin's play The Jewish King Lear. He later became the director of this society. Under his leadership, actors who eventually formed the Mohyliv troupe toured villages and towns in the Podolia and Kyiv Governorates, acquiring "invaluable experience" in lieu of monetary compensation. Peasants used food to pay for admission to the performances. Luba Kadison's performance was praised for "taste and restraint, clearly absent in other productions of the Theater on Second Avenue." In the subsequent years, the song experienced significant popularity among Jewish artists and transcended its initial theatrical context, gaining recognition beyond the Jewish community.

Work in Cinema Starting in 1939, Towber began working in cinema. Initially, he appeared in episodes of the films Kol Nidre and Big Shot. In 1940, he wrote screenplays and lyrics for songs for musical comedies with the music of Sholom Secunda: My House, Der Yiddisher Nigun (The Jewish Melody), Motl the Operator. In the latter, Towber played the leading role. All these films were directed by Joseph Seiden. Towber played his last role in 1941 in the film "Mazl Tov, Jews!" by the same director.

Chaim Towber died in 1972.