Ardalan Esmaili

Ardalan Esmaili (born 22 March 1986) is a Swedish actor renowned for his versatile performances across film and television. Born in Tehran, Iran, he spent his earliest years amidst the turmoil of the Iran–Iraq War, an experience that profoundly shaped his family's decision to seek a safer future abroad. When Ardalan was just two, his parents—an architect father and a teacher mother—relocated the family to Sweden, fearing conscription for his older brother and yearning for better prospects. Although originally planning to emigrate to the United States, they settled in the northern town of Skellefteå, where Ardalan grew up and began to cultivate his artistic sensibilities. He attended junior high in Malå before pursuing further education at the folk high school Fridhems Folkhögskola in Svalöv, where an internship with filmmaker Milad Alami at Film i Västerbotten offered him early exposure to the Swedish cinematic landscape. After completing high school, Ardalan honed his craft at the prestigious Swedish National Academy of Mime and Acting, graduating with a solid foundation in performance techniques. Fluent in Persian, English, Swedish, and Danish, he leverages his multilingual abilities to bring depth and authenticity to a wide range of roles. Since his professional debut in 2007, Ardalan has steadily built a robust filmography, earning acclaim for both leading and supporting parts. His personal life reflects a long‑term partnership with fellow actress Evin Ahmad, with whom he shares a deep commitment to the arts. While he keeps his private life discreet, his dedication to his craft remains evident, as he continues to contribute richly to Sweden's dynamic entertainment industry, inspiring audiences with his nuanced portrayals and cultural bridging.