Yiftach Klein

Yiftach Klein (born 28 September 1972) is an Israeli actor whose career spans over two decades, marked by acclaimed performances in both film and television. Raised in the moshav of Batzra in central Israel, he was the eldest of three brothers before his family relocated to Rosh Pinna on the Korazim Plateau. Klein discovered his passion for acting during a high‑school production of Days of Shadow, a turning point that led him to serve in the Israel Defense Forces and subsequently study at the Nissan Nativ Acting Studio in Tel Aviv. After several years honing his craft in repertory theatre, he achieved his breakout role at age 26 when he appeared in the popular Israeli television series Tironoot (The Apprentices) in 1998, launching a prolific screen career. His nuanced portrayal of complex characters earned him two Ophir Award nominations: Best Supporting Actor for Noodle (2007) and Best Actor for Policeman (2011). Klein’s performance in Fill the Void (2012) received high praise from critics such as A. O. Scott of The New York Times, who highlighted his “gentle, brooding presence,” and Deborah Young of The Hollywood Reporter, who noted his “reserved masculinity.” He also starred in the Oscar‑shortlisted short Summer Vacation (2012) and later co‑wrote, directed, and performed in the autobiographical play Slide Night (2017). Recent projects include starring roles in False Flag (season 2, 2018‑2019) and The Cops (2023). Beyond acting, Klein has directed plays in Dimona, managed a theatre in Kiryat Shmona, and taught at the University of Florida through a fellowship with the Schusterman Family Philanthropies. In his personal life, he married singer‑songwriter Shiri Artzi in 2013, with whom he shares three children, and the family resides in northern Tel Aviv. His career reflects a blend of artistic versatility, critical acclaim, and a dedication to Israeli cultural life.