Leader offers condolences on Kourosh Zarei’s death

Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, has expressed condolences over the death of Iranian actor and theater director Kourosh Zarei.

Describing him as a committed and revolutionary artist whose efforts to expand performing arts in less-privileged parts of the country were commendable in a message issued on Wednesday, the Leader expressed sorrow over the passing of Zarei, highlighting his tireless efforts to promote theater in cities and regions with limited cultural facilities, as well as his steadfast commitment to the values of the Islamic Revolution.

The message reads:

“In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

The passing of Mr. Kourosh Zarei, a committed and revolutionary artist of our country, has caused sorrow.

His tireless efforts to expand performing arts in cities and less-privileged regions of the country, as well as his steadfastness in upholding the values of the Islamic Revolution, were commendable.

I extend my condolences to his family and the country's artistic community, and beseech Almighty God to grant the deceased forgiveness, mercy and divine reward.

Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei

November 11, 2026”

Zarei died at his home on Sunday, November 8, at the age of 55, following complications from an illness he had been suffering from for the past two years.

A well-known figure in Iran’s performing arts, he was particularly influential in the development of religious, revolutionary and popular theater.

He served as director of the Art Bureau’s Center for Dramatic Arts, where he worked to support and expand theater activities across the country for several years.

Promoting mosque-based theater, organizing theatrical events and producing works centered on religious rituals and resistance were among his major contributions.

One of Zarei’s best-known roles was Lavi, the elder brother of Prophet Joseph, in the popular television series ‘Prophet Joseph’.