The prominent Iranian stage and screen performer, Homayoun Ershadi, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 78 following a battle with cancer, according to the state news agency.
Ershadi first gained international recognition through a major role in the acclaimed film Taste of Cherry (1997), directed by the late Abbas Kiarostami.
The film, which explores the profound story of a despairing man seeking someone to bury him after his intended suicide, earned the prestigious Palme d’Or award. This performance marked the beginning of a late but highly regarded career in acting.
Career Highlights and International Reach
Born in Isfahan, central Iran, in 1947, Ershadi originally studied architecture before transitioning into the film world.
His work successfully crossed international borders, leading to notable roles in several major foreign productions. He achieved global recognition for his role in the 2007 Hollywood adaptation of the novel, The Kite Runner.
His acting credits also include the 2014 film A Most Wanted Man, and a brief appearance in the 2012 production, Zero Dark Thirty.
The national institution representing the film industry confirmed his death. It extended condolences to the artistic community, celebrating Ershadi as a significant figure in cinema, theatre, and television.
A government spokeswoman offered sympathy regarding his passing. In a social media post, she described him as a “noble and thoughtful actor of Iranian cinema,” calling his death “sorrowful.”