Ronit Elkabetz (Hebrew: רונית אלקבץ; November 27, 1964 – April 19, 2016) was an Israeli actress, screenwriter, and film director. She was born in Beersheba, Israel, to Moroccan Jewish immigrant parents. She grew up in Kiryat Yam.
Elkabetz began her acting career in the early 1990s, quickly establishing herself as a prominent figure in Israeli cinema. She was known for her intense performances and her ability to portray complex and nuanced characters. She acted in both Israeli and French films, gaining international recognition for her work.
In addition to acting, Elkabetz was a successful screenwriter and director. She co-wrote and co-directed, with her brother Shlomi Elkabetz, a trilogy of semi-autobiographical films exploring the experiences of a Sephardi Jewish family in Israel. These films, To Take a Wife, Shiva, and Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem, are considered landmark works in Israeli cinema.