The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actress›Hari Nef
Entertainment • Actress

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is an American actress, model, and writer born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1992.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hari Nef is an American actress, model, and writer born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1992. She is known for her role in the television series Transparent and for appearing in films including Assassination Nation and Barbie. Nef is also notable as an openly transgender woman and for her work in fashion and media.

Early life and education

Hari Nef was born in Philadelphia and later studied theatre at Columbia University. Sources describe her as an American performer who moved into modelling and acting after her studies.

Acting career

Nef first gained wider attention for Transparent and later appeared in films such as Hellaware, Assassination Nation, Mapplethorpe, 1Up, Meet Cute, and Barbie. She also appeared in television projects including You and The Idol.

Modelling and public profile

Nef became the first openly transgender woman signed to IMG Models and received attention in fashion and media for that milestone. Her profile expanded through runway work, magazine coverage, and public advocacy.

Key facts

  • Hari Nef was born on October 21, 1992, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  • She is an American actress, model, and writer.
  • Her breakthrough role was Gittel in Transparent.
  • She appeared in Barbie in 2023, directed by Greta Gerwig.
  • She has been described as the first openly transgender woman to appear on the cover of a major British magazine.
🍁
Canadian context

Hari Nef has relevance for Canadian readers through international film and television distribution, fashion media coverage, and broader LGBTQ+ cultural representation.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Hari Nef?
Hari Nef is an American actress, model, and writer known for Transparent, fashion work, and films such as Assassination Nation and Barbie.
How old is Hari Nef?
Hari Nef was born on October 21, 1992, which makes her 33 years old as of July 23, 2026.
Is Hari Nef transgender?
Yes. Multiple sources describe Hari Nef as a transgender woman, and she has been publicly identified as openly transgender.
What movies has Hari Nef been in?
Her film credits include Hellaware, Crush, Mapplethorpe, Assassination Nation, 1Up, Meet Cute, Bad Things, First Date, and Barbie.
Was Hari Nef in Barbie?
Yes. She appeared in Barbie (2023), and sources identify her role as Barbie or Dr. Barbie.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Nef
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, occupations, Transparent, transgender identity, and Barbie appearance.
  2. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Nef
    Supports: Birth place, early filmography, and Barbie role.
  3. Hey Alma — https://www.heyalma.com/18-things-to-know-about-jewish-actress-hari-nef/
    Supports: Background as actress/model/writer and Assassination Nation as a major film role.
  4. i-D — https://i-d.co/article/meet-hari-nef-the-american-actress-leading-the-transgender-revolution/
    Supports: Transgender identity and early career profile.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6341515/
    Supports: Birth date, age, and selected known-for titles including Barbie.
  6. Columbia Magazine — https://magazine.columbia.edu/article/hari-nef-woman-year
    Supports: Columbia University education and first openly transgender model signed to IMG.
  7. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/person/hari-nef/umc.cpc.60equznkablnjzwzack4qc9nc
    Supports: Transparent breakthrough role, modeling milestone, and acting career.
  8. Wikipedia (Catalan) — https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Nef
    Supports: Filmography including Barbie and earlier titles.