Atila Pesyani (1957–2023)

About آتیلا پسیانی

Atila Pesyani (1957–2023) was an Iranian actor and theatre director, and one of the most prolific performers of his generation. Over more than four decades he appeared in over 40 stage productions, around 80 films and more than 70 television series. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of experimental theatre in Iran.

Life and career

Pesyani was born in Tehran, the son of the actress Jamileh Sheykhi. His father died while Atila was a child, and he returned to Tehran with his mother. He first stepped on stage at the age of ten, improvising two small roles in a rehearsal of a historical play his mother was working on.

On screen his films include The Hidden Half, Ceasefire and its sequel, The President's Cell Phone and The Wooden Bridge. On television he appeared in The First Night of Peace and A Piece of Land. His best-remembered TV roles are in Gomgashteh and Chardivari, where he played Taghi Taxi. He received a Crystal Simorgh nomination for Best Actor for In Cold Blood (1994), and supporting actor nominations for Two Women, The Last Supper and Who Killed Amir?. He died of stomach cancer in October 2023, aged 66.

On Pardeh

Six of his films are on Pardeh. Coma (2004) and Millioner Miami are comedies. Nazanin and the romantic drama Simple Worker Needed show his dramatic range. Se Jeld is a mystery family drama, and The Warden (Sorkhpoost) is set in a prison.

Biographical facts: Wikidata.

Shared cast credits

People credited in the same titles on Pardeh:

• آیناز کرمانی · 1 shared title
• افسانه بایگان · 1 shared title
• الهام شعبانی · 1 shared title
• امیرحسین آرمان · 1 shared title
• امین حیایی · 1 shared title
• باران کوثری · 1 shared title