A glance at the life of Iranian actor, late Jamshid Mashayekhi

Iran's film industry lost one of its prominent actors on Tuesday, April 2. Late Jamshid Mashayekhi performed on stage, in movies, and within TV productions for more than six decades. His stellar performances are etched in the memory of Iranians, forever. His funeral procession was held in Tehran, on Saturday, April 6. Today, we pay a glance at the life and works of this famed and celebrated actor.

Born in Tehran in 1934, he performed on stage, in the film industry, and TV series for more than six decades. He received the first degree medal of culture and arts, and was known as a highly skilled and seasoned Iranian actor.

He debuted on stage in 1957 and debuted in the film industry in 1963. He played memorable roles in a series of films such as "Gaav", "Qaisar", "Kamal Ul-Molk", "Pedarbozorg", "Telesm", and "Rouz-e Vaqe'e". He also maintained glittering performances in a number of TV series, such as Hezaar Dastaan, Sultan-e Sahebqaran, and Imam Ali (AS).

This veteran actor was hospitalized in recent weeks, passing away at the age of 85 on the last day of Iranian new year holidays.

He did not complete his academic studies in the field of theater, and was one of the prolific actors in the pre-revolution era. Speaking of his childhood, he notes that when he was in the primary school, he wrote screenplays, directed, and acted in the company of his neighborhood's children.

In the year 1984, Mashayekhi was chosen as the best actor at the International Fajr Film Festival. He was also chosen as the best supporting actor at the 7^th Festival of the House of Cinema, and the best actor at the International Pyongyang Film Festival, for his performance in the feature film "Pedarbozorg".

Famed actor, Ali Nasirian, recalls his long years of cooperation and friendship with late Jamshid Mashayekhi, noting that he knew Mashayekhi for sixty years. He adds that Mashayekhi was a unique actor with sublime talents, although he did not cover comprehensive academic studies in this field. Late Mashayekhi maintained a self-motivated talent, and relied upon his creative nature.

He was a versatile performer on stage and movies throughout his long years of acting, displaying a high potential, which prompted experts in the film industry to admire his acting talent.

Film and stage director, Hasan Fathi, notes: Late Mashayekhi was a committed and responsible actor, who wholeheartedly cooperated with his colleagues behind the cameras. He taught us that in order to become an expert in the field of art, we should initially be a good learner. He taught us that fame brings about ethical responsibilities. He also taught us to be modest, respectful, and grateful towards people, who honor and admire artistic productions.

The feature film "Kamal Ul-Molk" which was directed by Ali Hatami, studied the life of pre-eminent painter, Kamal Ul-Molk, who lived in the Qajarid era. Late Jamshid Mashayekhi was the leading actor in this feature film, cooperating with a host of other celebrated actors within this film. In order to play the role of Kamal Ul-Molk, Late Jamshid Mashayekhi learned painting by attending the classes of one of the most prominent contemporary painters, and made utmost efforts to play this leading role, as natural as possible. After the display of this film on silver screen, the grandchildren of Kamal Ul-Molk praised late Mashayekhi's unique performance.

Hezaar Dastaan is a TV series which was directed by Ali Hatami. This TV series revolves round a fictional character named Reza Khoshnevis, which is based on a historical character in the Qajarid and Pahlavi eras. One of the strong points of this TV series is the presence of a large number of film industry and TV performers, with late Jamshid Mashayekhi playing the key role.  This TV series revolves round an elderly man who lives with his wife in the holy city of Mashhad, far from the political controversies in Tehran. This elderly couple are detained, threatened, and tortured for an unknown reason, and are urged to confess to an unknown crime.

The praiseworthy performance of late Jamshid Mashayekhi in this TV series, turned him into a legendary actor.

Prominent Iranian political and cultural figures, such as the Iranian president, parliament speaker, foreign minister, minister of culture and Islamic guidance, and Islamic Republic of Iran Artistic House of Culture offered their condolences on the demise of this prominent actor.

The cyberspace users also bid farewell with this late prominent actor.

The funeral procession of late Jamshid Mashayekhi was held on Saturday, April 6, in the presence of thousands of mourners. He was laid to rest at Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery.

MR/ME