Entertainment • Actress

Behnaz Nazi

Behnaz Nazi was an Iranian actress, costume designer, and set designer whose career was centred mainly on theatre.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Behnaz Nazi was an Iranian actress, costume designer, and set designer whose career was centred mainly on theatre. She was born in Tehran on 12 Dey 1346 (2 January 1968) and died on 26 Ordibehesht 1405 (16 May 2026) after battling cancer. She is also known for screen roles including Naneh Asoob in the series Jiran.

Early life and education

Behnaz Nazi was born in Tehran on 12 Dey 1346. Sources report that she studied set and costume design at Islamic Azad University in Tehran.

Career

She began her professional artistic activity in theatre in 1995 and remained strongly associated with stage performance throughout her career. She later worked in cinema and television, while also contributing as a set and costume designer.

Notable roles and recognition

Her screen work included Madaram Gisu, Safar be Chazabeh, and the series Jiran, where she played Naneh Asoob. She also received a Crystal Simorgh for Hiva for production and costume design.

Death

Behnaz Nazi died on 26 Ordibehesht 1405 after battling cancer. Reports from Iranian media identified her death as resulting from a prolonged illness.

Key facts

Behnaz Nazi was an Iranian actress, costume designer, and set designer primarily active in theatre.
She began her professional career in 1995 with theatre work.
She gained recognition for her role as Naneh Asoob in the series Jiran.
She won a Crystal Simorgh for Best Production Design and Costume Design for the film Hiva.
She died on 16 May 2026 after battling cancer.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Behnaz Nazi?

She was an Iranian actress, costume designer, and set designer best known for theatre and for her role in Jiran.

When was Behnaz Nazi born?

She was born on 12 Dey 1346, which corresponds to 2 January 1968.

What was Behnaz Nazi known for?

She was known mainly for theatre work, along with screen appearances and design work in cinema and television.

What role made her widely recognized?

She is widely associated with the role of Naneh Asoob in the series Jiran.

Did Behnaz Nazi receive any awards?

Yes. She received the Crystal Simorgh for Best Production Design and Costume Design for the film Hiva.

When did Behnaz Nazi die?

She died on 26 Ordibehesht 1405 (16 May 2026) after battling cancer.

References

Persian Wikipedia — https://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%A8%D9%87%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B2_%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C
Supports: Birth date, death date, Iranian nationality, and theatre-focused career overview.
Filimo — https://www.filimo.com/crew/Behnaz-Nazi
Supports: Education, occupations, career start, selected credits, and award information.
Beytoote — https://www.beytoote.com/fun/actor-news/biography-behnaznazi01-actress.html
Supports: Birth place, occupations, and biographical details.
Beytoote — https://www.beytoote.com/fun/actor-news/biography-behnaz03-nazi.html
Supports: Theatre-centred career and death notice.
Esfahan Emrooz — https://esfahanemrooz.ir/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%87%D9%86%DA%AF-%D9%87%D9%86%D8%B1-152/930766-
Supports: Birth date, birthplace, career start, and recognition for Jiran.
Tabnak — https://www.tabnak.ir/fa/news/1373057/%D8%A8%D9%87%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%B0%D8%B4%D8%AA
Supports: Death announcement, date of death, and note that she studied theatre.
Asr Iran — https://www.asriran.com/fa/news/1163437/%D8%A8%D9%87%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C%DA%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B3%DB%8C%D9%86%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%88-%D8%AA%D8%A6%D8%A7%D%D8%AA%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%B0%D8%B4%D8%AA
Supports: Death announcement and confirmation from her husband.