Behnaz Vakili

Behnaz Vakili is rapidly establishing herself as a versatile actress of Middle Eastern origin. She appeared as Malek's mother on season 2 of the critically and commercially successful Netflix series, Sex Education. She also featured as an interpreter on ITV drama series, Honour. Behnaz was born in Tehran, Iran and lived in the capital through the Iranian Revolution. She came to the UK in 2001 and now lives in London. She is equally fluent in English, Farsi and Kurdish. Originally a theatre actress, she toured the United States and Europe in a satirical show, performing to packed audiences in 35 venues in 7 countries in 2012 and 2013. Behnaz received the Best Actress Award at the 5th Persian-English Theatre Festival in London, 2018, for her performance in King Mear. Behnaz is a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Life Coach, but her first love is acting. A social campaigner and member of Amnesty International, she is active in Human Rights and immigration issues.