Saeed Rad: A lasting legacy in Iranian cinema

Saeed Rad has left a lasting impact on Iranian cinema with his remarkable talent and memorable performances.  

Born in the heart of Tehran, Rad's journey to stardom began in the 1970s.

His debut came with the film ‘Conquerors of the Desert’ by Mohammad Zarrindast, followed by ‘Goodbye Friend’ directed by Amir Naderi.

His distinctive acting style, bolstered by his imposing physique and expressive facial features, quickly established him as a leading figure in Iranian cinema.

Throughout the 1970s, Rad's prolific career saw him feature in 34 films before the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Among these, his performances in ‘The Journey of the Stone’ by Masoud Kimiaee and ‘Tight Spot’ by Amir Naderi stand out as significant milestones. The roles earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.

After the revolution, Rad continued to shine, appearing in seven films from 1982 to 1985. The most noteworthy among the seven titles are ‘The Red Line’ by Masoud Kimiaee, ‘The Imperiled’ by Iraj Qaderi,  and ‘Eagles’ by Samuel Khachikian.

After a brief hiatus, Rad made a return to the screen in 2001 with a powerful performance in ‘The Duel’ by Ahmad-Reza Darvish. The comeback captivated a new generation of cinema enthusiasts.

In recent years, Rad expanded his repertoire to include television productions and internet platform video series. The most notable among them are ‘Motherland’ and ‘Heart’.

His final screen appearances in the television series ‘Father's Legacy’ and ‘Gildokht’ were met with widespread admiration.

Rad's roles in ‘Chamran’, ‘Silent Assassination’, ‘In the Eye of the Storm’, and ‘The Duel’ remain etched in memory of iFilmers and countless fans.

Sadly, the renowned 79-year-old actor's journey came to an end on July 22, when he passed away in a Tehran hospital after battling health issues for the past ten months.

Saeed Rad's passing marks the end of an era for Iranian cinema, but his legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of actors and filmmakers.

iFilm English website wishes him rest in peace and extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans. Rad's contribution to cinema will never be forgotten.