Biography
Who is Golshifteh Farahani?
Early life and real name
Born in Tehran, Iran, she was named Rahavard Farahani by her parents, theatre director Behzad Farahani and actress Fahimeh Rahiminia. Her professional name, Golshifteh, was chosen by her father and translates to loving flower, while her legal name means gift of the road. She grew up with her sister, Shaghayegh Farahani.
She began formal musical training at age five, focusing on piano, and eventually studied at a music school in Tehran. Her film career started early when she was cast as the lead in Dariush Mehrjui's The Pear Tree at age 14. This performance earned her the Crystal Roc for Best Actress at the 16th Fajr International Film Festival. She also attended the Islamic Azad University.
Career in Iran and international breakthrough
Her early Iranian film credits include M for Mother, Half Moon, and About Elly. Her international profile grew significantly after she appeared in the 2008 American production Body of Lies. This role made her the first Iranian actor in a Hollywood film since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Following her appearance in that film, she faced significant trouble with Iranian authorities. She was banned from working in Iran and eventually left the country. She resided in Paris for several years starting in 2009 before moving to Ibiza in 2017. Her departure from Iran was marked by travel bans and the seizure of her passport by authorities.
International filmography and stage work
Since moving abroad, Golshifteh Farahani has worked with various acclaimed directors, including Jim Jarmusch and Roland Joffe. She starred in the lead role of Laura in the 2016 film Paterson, appearing opposite Adam Driver. Her filmography includes roles in The Patience Stone, which earned her a César Award nomination, and Two Friends.
She also appeared in the action movie Extraction and its 2023 sequel. On television, she has been a regular on the series Invasion. She also appeared in the 2017 fantasy film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. In 2025, she led the film Alpha, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. She has served on international juries, including the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival.
Activism and personal life
Beyond acting, she is involved in environmental advocacy and campaigns for the eradication of tuberculosis in Iran. She is also a musician who was once part of the band Kooch Neshin. After leaving Iran, she collaborated with musician Mohsen Namjoo on the album Oy.
She has been vocal about her criticism of the Iranian government, specifically regarding women's rights and artistic freedom. She publicly supported the Mahsa Amini protests and performed a cover of the song Baraye with Coldplay in Buenos Aires in 2022. Her personal life has seen her marry Amin Mahdavi and later Christos Dorje Walker. She was also in a relationship with actor Louis Garrel.
Birthday and age
Golshifteh Farahani was born on July 10, 1983, which makes Golshifteh 43 years old today. That birthday falls under the Cancer sign. Golshifteh shares the date with 37 other famous people.
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