Mehrdad Falahatgar: Iranian Actor, Director and Producer Dies After Battling Cancer
Mehrdad Falahatgar, a renowned Iranian actor, director, and producer, passed away on 2 Shahrivar 1404 after a long battle with cancer. Born in 1959 in Babol, he left a lasting mark on both cinema and television across Iran.
Early life, education and training
Falahatgar studied acting up to a bachelor’s degree at Islamic Azad University. He began his artistic career in theater, where he worked with prominent mentors and theatre legends. In particular, he collaborated for years with renowned figures such as Gholamhosein Saedi and Bahram Beizai, learning from some of Iran’s most respected artists before moving into film and television.
Film career
Over the years, Falahatgar appeared in a number of films that are considered landmarks of Iranian cinema. Some of his notable film titles include:
– Under the Skin of the City (Zir poost Shahr)
– Crime (Jorm)
– Doubt (Tardid)
– The Custom of Love Killing (Rasm Asheq Kashi)
– The Glass Agency (Azaansh-e Shisheh-yi)
– Shor-e Eshgh
– Cinderella (Cinderella)
His work in these productions helped establish him as a respected figure in the industry and aligned him with other major names in Iranian cinema.
Television work and notable roles
In television, Falahatgar contributed to a range of popular series, including projects such as Mardan-e Anjels, Bache-ye Mohandes, and Shayed baraye Shoma etefaqq oftad, among others. He is also remembered for his portrayal of Sinuhe in the TV series Yusuf Nabi, sharing scenes with actors like Mostafa Zamani, Mahmoud Pak Niat, Katayoun Riakhi, Jafar Dehghan, and Mahvash Sabrkan.
Family
Falahatgar was married for many years and had children. His son, Farhad Falahatgar, followed in his father’s footsteps as a writer and producer actively involved in cinema, continuing the family’s artistic legacy.
Illness and death
The actor’s death came after a prolonged battle with cancer. He had publicly disclosed his illness after undergoing dental implant treatment, during which he learned of his cancer and subsequently underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy—reportedly 32 sessions.
Legacy and outlook
Mehrdad Falahatgar’s career spanned theater, film, and television, and he worked with some of Iran’s most influential filmmakers. His versatility—from stage to screen to behind-the-scenes roles as a director and producer—left a lasting imprint on Iranian performing arts. His passing is felt across the industry, but his body of work continues to inspire future generations of actors and creators in Iran.
Summary and final thoughts
Mehrdad Falahatgar leaves behind a rich legacy built on a foundation of theater training, collaboration with legendary writers and directors, and memorable performances on screen. His family, including his son Farhad, continues to contribute to Iranian cinema, ensuring that his influence endures. The industry pauses to honor a performer whose work spanned multiple decades and left an indelible mark on Iranian culture.
Additional notes
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