Iran’s legendary dubbing icon Manoochehr Valizadeh dies at 84
Manoochehr Valizadeh, a legendary figure in Iranian dubbing, died at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness.
He succumbed to his health issues while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of a hospital.
Valizadeh was not only a voice actor but also a dubbing manager, director, actor, television, and radio announcer.
Valizadeh regarded the late Hossein Latifpoor as his mentor, praising him as one of the finest figures in the dubbing industry. He said, “He was among the best. From Manouchehr Esmaeili to myself, we all learned from him to get where we are.”
He was born on June 25, 1940, coinciding with the launch of Iran’s first radio transmitter along the old Shemiran road. His legacy in the dubbing industry remains unmatched.
He began his acting career in 1957 after participating in several amateur theater productions. He made his professional debut in a play directed by Mrs. Maureen and, following work on a few short films, was introduced to Ali Kasmaei, with whom he trained for several years.
His breakthrough came when he played the lead role in ‘Daughter of the Violet Seller’ (1963), followed by a key role in ‘Hell Ferrer’.
In 1961, through Taji Ahmadi, he was introduced to Amin Amini at the Golden Age Studio, marking his film debut in ‘Khodadad’ (1962). He appeared in nearly 18 films between 1962 and 1978.
Farshid Shakiba, a dubbing director at the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), confirmed the news, expressing deep sorrow over Valizadeh’s passing.
“I am very saddened and can hardly bring myself to say that Manoochehr Valizadeh is no longer with us. He was a pioneer in ethics, voice, and skill,” Shakiba stated.
Throughout his illustrious career, Valizadeh lent his voice to numerous iconic characters.
Iranian people know him well for dubbing famous actors such as Robert DeNiro in ‘Godfather 2’ and ‘Taxi Driver,’ Keanu Reeves in ‘Matrix’ trilogy, Tom Hanks in ‘Forrest Gump,’ ‘Green Mile,’ ‘Saving Private Ryan,’ ‘Sally,’ and ‘Captain Phillips,’ Adam Sandler in ‘50 First Dates’ and ‘Click,’ Toshiro Mifune in ‘Seven Samurai,’ Nicholas Cage in ‘The Rock,’ John Travolta in ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Killing Season,’ Jim Carrey in ‘Dumb and Dumber,’ ‘Fun with Dick and Jane,’ and ‘Sonic the Hedgehog,’ Will Smith in ‘Enemy of the State,’ ‘Pursuit of Happyness,’ ‘I Am Legend,’ and ‘I, Robot,’ and Tom Cruise in ‘Magnolia,’ ‘Collateral,’ ‘Edge of Tomorrow,’ and … as well as famous characters in children’s animations and series including ‘Lucky Luke, ‘Woody,’ ‘Puss in Boots,’ and ‘Garfield’.
His last recorded appearance was during the opening of the 43rd Fajr Film Festival, in which he could not attend the ceremony due to health conditions.