Yehezkel Lazarov

Yehezkel Lazarov

Israeli theater and film actor, director, screenwriter, dancer, choreographer, gallery owner
Date of Birth: 08.02.1974
Country: Israel

Content:
  1. Early Life and Education
  2. Military Service and Dance Career
  3. Film Career
  4. International Recognition and Awards
  5. Versatile Artistry
  6. Historical Portrayal
  7. Personal Life
  8. Recent Works and Future Projects
  9. Filmography

Early Life and Education

Ezequiel Lazaro was born in Tel-Aviv, Israel, on February 8, 1974, to Bulgarian parents who relocated to Israel. As a young boy, he showcased talent in movement and the arts, enrolling in dance classes and participating in school productions. After graduating, Lazaro pursued formal training at the esteemed Thelma Yellin Studio of Performing Arts.

Military Service and Dance Career

Following his studies, Lazaro served in the Israeli army. Upon his discharge, he reignited his passion for dance and joined the renowned Bat Sheva dance company, where he performed for four years. His dance education also extended to Europe, where he studied choreography in Paris and acting at The Actors Centre in London.

Film Career

Lazaro's film debut was in the leading role of the 1998 film "Forbidden Love" by director Yossi Somer. His performance as Hanan, a young man torn between his love for a forbidden woman and societal norms, garnered critical acclaim. After a brief hiatus, Lazaro returned to the screen in 2006 with "Three Mothers" and "Debt" in 2007, alongside notable actors like Gila Almagor and Yuri Chepurnov.

International Recognition and Awards

One of Lazaro's most celebrated performances was in Ari Folman's animated film "Waltz with Bashir" (2008). The film, based on Folman's own experiences as a soldier in the Lebanon War, earned an Academy Award nomination and immense praise for its harrowing portrayal of war's psychological toll.

Versatile Artistry

Beyond acting, Lazaro has directed theatrical productions and choreographed dance shows. In 2017, he directed Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons," highlighting the enduring relevance of intergenerational themes.

Historical Portrayal

In 2017, Lazaro appeared in the historical drama "Mata Hari" as Count Costello. The international cast included Vaiana Giocante as the eponymous dancer and spy, alongside Gerard Depardieu, Svetlana Khodchenkova, and Victoria Isakova.

Personal Life

Lazaro is happily married to Aline, a costume designer in the film and theater industry who speaks fluent Russian due to her family's immigration from the Soviet Union.

Recent Works and Future Projects

In 2018, Lazaro starred in the Russian adaptation of the American television series "The Mentalist." As Daniel Romanov, a psychologist with extraordinary abilities, Lazaro navigated the complex web of manipulation and deception. Rumors suggest that he is currently working on a new project, though official confirmation is yet to be provided.

Filmography

Forbidden Love (1998)
Three Mothers (2006)
Shelter (2007)
Debt (2007)
Waltz with Bashir (2008)
Fifth Heaven (2011)
World is Funny (2012)
The Kindergarten Teacher (2014)
Mata Hari (2017)
The Mentalist (2018)

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