Omid Djalili
EMMA Supporter
Omid Djalili is a British Iranian Actor, Comedian, and Writer who has appeared in several mainstream films and popular TV Shows as well as touring around the world. Omid had become a close friend and supporter of EMMA, as its aims resonated with his own life objectives – to see more Social Cohesion throughout the creative industry and within society. He had performed at the EMMA Show and tried to assist with hosting the EMMAs in the US to extend its audience.
Born on 30 September 1965, in Kensington, London, Omid was raised in a culturally rich household by his Iranian Baháʼí parents, Ahmad and Parvaneh Djalili, who emigrated from Tehran to London in 1958.
Omid’s upbringing was steeped in artistic and diplomatic influences. His father served as a liaison officer at the Iranian embassy and was also a photographer, while his mother was a dressmaker who once assisted the famed Iranian singer Googoosh.
Educated at Holland Park School, Omid faced academic challenges, including failing his A-level exams multiple times. Undeterred, he ingeniously secured admission to Ulster University in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, where he studied English and Theatre Studies.
Omid’s time in Northern Ireland was marked by both academic growth and personal experiences, including a harrowing incident in 1988 when he narrowly escaped harm during a tense period in the region.
Omid’s foray into comedy began with significant success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1995 with his show “Short, Fat Kebab Shop Owner’s Son,” followed by “The Arab and the Jew” in 1996, which he co-performed with Jewish comedian Ivor Dembina.
Omid’s unique blend of humor, which often explores themes of religion, race, and cultural stereotypes, resonated with diverse audiences. He has performed internationally, including in Australia, Ireland, Sweden, Belgium, Canada, and the United States, where he had his own HBO Special.
In 2005, Omid’s show “No Agenda” broke Edinburgh Festival box office records, and led to a successful nationwide tour. His television work includes “The Omid Djalili Show” on BBC1, which combined sketches and stand-up material. He hosted the ITV game show “Winning Combination” from 2020 to 2021.
Omid’s acting career is equally impressive, with roles in notable films such as “Gladiator,” “The Mummy,” “Mean Machine,” “The World Is Not Enough,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” and “Sex and the City 2.”
Omid has also lent his voice to characters in various video games, including Yusuf Amir in the “Grand Theft Auto” series. On stage, he has portrayed iconic roles such as Fagin in “Oliver!” at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Chichester Festival Theatre.
Beyond his career in entertainment, Omid is a dedicated advocate for cultural understanding and social justice. In 2003, he was invited by the United Nations to perform in New York, aiming to bridge cultural divides in the aftermath of 9/11.
Omid’s efforts in promoting inclusivity and challenging stereotypes have been recognised with awards such as the EMMA Award, Time Out Award, LWT Comedy Award for Best Stand-up Comedian, and the One World Media Award for his Channel 4 documentary, “Bloody Foreigners.”
Omid married actress Annabel Knight in 1992, and they have three children together. A practicing Baháʼí, he actively participates in community events and has been involved in initiatives supporting human rights, including the Iran Solidarity Rally in Trafalgar Square in January 2023.
Omid Djalili’s journey from a young man facing academic hurdles to an internationally acclaimed comedian and actor is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and commitment to fostering understanding through the arts. His work continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide, reflecting a career marked by versatility and a profound connection to his cultural roots.
