Born in 1947 in Isfahan, Iran, he transitioned from a successful architecture career to acting in his fifties. He gained international recognition with his debut in Abbas Kiarostami's acclaimed film "Taste of Cherry" (1997), which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes. Known for his naturalistic style, he subsequently appeared in "The Kite Runner" (2007) and other international productions. His work is celebrated for its depth and emotional authenticity, bridging Iranian cinema with global audiences.