Biography

Essa Zahir, born in 1967 is a British actor of Iranian origin. He studied art before discovering his real passion was in acting. He took acting classes at various schools, but it wasn't until going to The Lee Strasberg Method Institute in the early 1990's that he found his path under the tutorship of the late British actor Michael Billington and the American actress Marianna Hill. His acting debut came in 1991 - an Actor's Showcase for which he was critically acclaimed in the local theatre review. A string of short films followed, one of which the young Geri Halliwell co-stared alongside him in "Foggy Notion" 1995. He did mostly bit parts for film and television between 2000 and 2007. "For a moment, freedom" directed by Arash T. Riahi went on to win 23 international film nominations & awards and the writer/director wrote Essa in his political tale having only seen his audition tape for "Women Without Men" directed by Shirin Neshat who won 'The Silver Lion' at Can in 2009. Playing the part of 'Amir Khan'- has been Essa's favorite role. As an interesting turnaround and very unpredictably, Essa embraced his art roots with a passion as a painter in 2014, holding his first formal art exhibition in London at New Artist Fair Summer Exhibition.
- IMDb mini biography by: Essa Zahir

Essa formally retired as an actor in 2021. He continues working as an artist and author. He self-publishes ebooks exclusively on Lulu. His 2023 - 2024 publications include: "The Island" (fantasy adventure set in 1936) "M.P" and "Sunshine Valley" (comedies) There are clips of Essa's archive performances on YouTube, and he can be reached via his art website at: essazahir artweb
- IMDb mini biography by: Essa Zahir

Essa Zahir is holding his first and formal art exhibition in London in September 2014 at the New Artist Fair. It will feature paintings "Autumn Leaves" and "Yellow Canope" amongst others.

"The Cosmological Warrior" is a 2014 republished ebook, first published in 2000, written, illustrated and designed by Essa Zahir. Art & poetry devoted to spiritual and theological themes.

Essa Zahir sold his first painting at the age of fifteen.

Essa Zahir has self-published "The Abandoned Warrior" the follow up to his 2000 ebook "The Cosmological Warrior" on Lulu.com and will be exhibiting the art for the very first time at The New Artist Fair Framed Exhibition in March, London- Islington.