Eli Gorenstein: Movies & Box Office

Eli Gorenstein, born Eliyahu Gorenstein on 31 August 1952 in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a multifaceted Israeli artist whose career spans over five decades and encompasses acting, voice work, directing, singing, and cello performance. Raised in Ramat Gan, he was deeply influenced by his maternal grandfather, the philosopher Felix Weltsch, and pursued higher education in theatre and music, earning a master’s degree from Tel Aviv University after studying in New York City. Gorenstein launched his professional journey in the mid‑1960s, quickly becoming a prominent stage actor with regular collaborations alongside Zachi Noy and performances at renowned venues such as the Habima Theatre and the Haifa Theatre, where he frequently tackled Shakespearean productions and vibrant musical theatre pieces. Beyond the stage, he became a beloved television personality, appearing on children’s programs like Rechov Sumsum, Parpar Nechmad, and Hachaverim shel Barney, and making memorable guest spots on the popular variety show Zehu Ze!, where he performed alongside Shlomo Gronich. His film credits include notable Israeli titles such as the 2007 Israeli Intelligence and the 2018 The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch. As a distinguished voice actor, Gorenstein provided the Hebrew voices for many iconic Disney villains and sidekicks during the Disney Renaissance era, including Scar (The Lion King), Frollo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Jafar (Aladdin), and Dr. Facilier (The Princess and the Frog), collaborating regularly with fellow voice talents Rama Messinger, Dov Reiser, and Yuval Zamir. A classically trained cellist with a bass vocal range, he has performed with the Israel Chamber Orchestra, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New Israeli Opera, and he frequently sings in the style of Frank Sinatra at concerts and television jingles. In 2011 he released his debut album featuring works by Yoni Rechter and Yehonatan Geffen, and in March 2019 he led a special Philharmonic concert at Tel‑Aviv University showcasing beloved Disney melodies. Gorenstein’s personal life includes his marriage to Nitza Gorenstein and three children, one of whom, Roni, follows in his footsteps as an actress.