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Vahik Pirhamzei (born on November 6, 1968) is an Iranian-Armenian actor, producer, director, and writer who produces work in English, Armenian, and Farsi. His most notable film, My Uncle Rafael, released in 2012 and based after his play “Rafael Keroo Gandzere”, earned him recognition and several awards.

Early Life
Before moving to the United States in 1989, Vahik Pirhamzei lived in the suburbs of Tehran. His love for drawing started when he was ten years old and grew into a passion for various forms of visual arts. His natural talent for performing stories and preparing puppet shows for his family and friends made him a local star. However, after the fall of the Shah and the Pahlavi dynasty in 1978-79, Vahik was forced to leave his hometown. He arrived at Mettmann, Germany in 1988, where he registered for painting classes in local schools to keep his artistic passion alive.

Vahik arrived in Los Angeles in 1989, engaging in auditions and freelance work on cable TV programs for Iranian viewers in Southern California. He wrote, directed, and starred in various comedy sketches such as; “Nika’s Café”, “The Specialist” and “Moshkelat.com” depicting the immigrant life in Los Angeles, his growing fame in his community allowed him to appear in over 300 of his own comedy skits. Since then, Vahik has contributed widely to the success of the Iranian theatre. He has starred over 25 stage productions, as well as performed in various locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Career
After Vahik’s first original production “Sky Blue” hit the stage in Los Angeles, he began receiving offers to present more of his original work. He directed several music videos for Iranian, Armenian, and other Middle Eastern artists. He was fortunate enough to work with major Iranian artists, including Moein, Googoosh, Dariush, Kamran & Hooman, and Armenian pop sensations Armen and Tata.

In 2000 Pirhamzei debuted “The Richmond Comedy Club” on TV. In 2004, he launched a weekly entertainment magazine news show called “World Entertainment Connections”, reaching over 200,000 cable homes every week. WEC still airs today in selected zones in Southern California.

Vahik’s recognition on the stage increased after he staged his play “Mez Lavootchoon Chi Egell.” (Nothing Good Has Come Our Way). Vahik played his most esteemed and renowned character, Rafael Keri (Uncle Rafael), a 72 year-old, quick-witted Armenian senior living in L.A. Due to its large success, the play won the prestigious Armenian Comedy Award in 2008. Two spin-off productions called “Rafel Keroo Gandzer’e” (“The Treasures of Uncle Rafael”) and its sequel; “Rafael Keroo Bardez” (“Uncle Rafael’s Garden”) took the stage, depicting the life of Uncle Rafael and his dysfunctional, yet amusing family. Vahik wrote, produced, directed, and starred in both productions, earning him numerous awards.

In 2010, Pirhamzei released a new play called “I Don’t Need a Psychologist” which opened to superb reviews. In the year that followed (2011), he wrote yet another play “Honest Liars” and then followed it up with “Experienced Liars” in 2012. In 2012 Pirhamzei was named the most influential Armenian on a list with many notable Armenians such as Sirusho, Armenchik, and Andy.

Later in 2012, Pirhamzei wrote, directed, and produced “Don’t Say Goodbye”, short film/music video with Eric Roberts for Googoosh. He also wrote, directed, and produced “Ejaz” (Miracle) for Googoosh in 2012. In 2012, Pirhamzei co-wrote a spinoff of “The Garden of Uncle Rafael” with Scott Yagemann as a feature film, “My Uncle Rafael”. The film included cast members such as, John Michael Higgins, Missi Pyle, and Rachel Blanchard and was directed by Marc Fusco, who formerly worked with Steven Spielberg. The film followed a desperate TV producer convincing an old Armenian Uncle to star in a reality show. Cultures collide when Uncle Rafael is thrown into the Schumacher family household, a dysfunctional American family in the midst of falling apart. The film won Pirhamzei the Audience Choice Award from ARPA International Film Festival.

In 2013 Vahik Pirhamzei wrote, directed, and starred in the feature film “Guardian Angel” and won Toronto’s Golden Pom Film Festival Awards.

In 2013 Pirhamzei directed and produced a music video for Russian superstar Kristina Orbakaite and Armenian pop star Tata.

In 2014, Pirhamzei completed his full-length feature film “Guardian Angel” set for release sometime this year.

Actor (4 credits)
Guardian Angel (2014) "Ray Ardalan"

My Uncle Rafael (2012) "Rafael/Hamo"

Immigrants (2009, TV Series) "Andy Gregorian"

Surviving Paradise (2000) "Mo"

Writer (2 credits)
Guardian Angel (2014)

My Uncle Rafael (2012)

Producer (3 credits)
Guardian Angel

My Uncle Rafael

World Entertainment Connections

Director (2 credits)
Guardian Angel

World Entertainment Connections

Awards
Arpa Film Festival 2011 - Breakthrough Performance Award