Avi Kushnir
Israeli comedian, actor and host
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Abraham Yeshayahu Kushnir (Hebrew: אַבְרָהָם יְשַׁעְיָהוּ קוּשְׁנִיר; born 26 August 1960). He is an Israeli film, television, and theatre actor, comedian, singer, television host, and stand‑up performer. He is a recipient of the Israeli Television Academy Award and participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1987.
Early life
During high school Kushnir studied at the youth village HaKfar HaYarok.[1] Afterwards, during his mandatory military service, Kushnir served in an Infantry unit. After his army service Kushnir worked as a stagehand and later on began directing plays.[2]
Career
His professional career as an actor began in the early 1980s when he began performing in stand-up shows. In 1985 Kushnir hosted the Festigal, an annual Israeli singing show alongside Gadi Yagil.
Eurovision Song Contest
In 1987, while he was 27 years old, Kushnir represented Israel in the 1987 Eurovision Song Contest alongside Natan Datner, as part of the comedic duo HaBatlanim (lit. The Bums), with the comical song Shir Habatlanim which finished in eighth place.[1]
Filmography
Film and television
| Year | Show/Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | "Parpar Nehmad"[1] | Guest role | Children's show |
| 1983 | "HaChatul Shmil"[3] | Guest role | Children's show |
| 1985 | Banot[4] | Rami | film by Nadav Levitan |
| 1986 | "Alex Holeh Ahavah" | Motke | Boaz Davidson's cult film |
| 1986 | "Battle of the Committee" ("הקרב על הוועד") | HaGashash HaHiver's trilogy series | |
| 1986 | "Plumber" ("האינסטלטור") | Mickey Bahagan's film | |
| 1986 | "The Great Obsession" ("השיגעון הגדול") | Naftali Alter's film | |
| 1989 | "Avoda BaEinayim" ("עבודה בעיניים"). | Yigal Shilon's hidden camera film also starring Nathan Dattner | |
| 1988-1998, 2020 | "Zehu Ze!" | variety of characters | Israeli skit show |
| 1990 | "Tzipi Bli Hafsaka" (ציפי בלי הפסקה) | Avi | children's TV series |
| 1999 | "Kushnir's show" | himself | TV series directed by Adi Binyaminov.[1] |
| 2001-2011 | "Ha-Chaim Ze Lo Hacol"[5] | Gadi Neumann | Israeli sitcom |
| 2002-2003 | "Madrich Kushnir" (מדריך קושניר, lit. "Kushnir's Guide"). | host | travel show on Channel 2 |
| 2004 | "Metallic Blues".[4] | also starring Moshe Ivgy | |
| 2004 | "Ratzim LaDira" (רצים לדירה) | host | Israeli reality show |
| 2004 | "Bemdinat HaYehudim" | documentary TV show on history of Jewish humor | |
| 2005-2011 | Israeli edition of "Dancing with the Stars" | host | |
| 2006 | "Love & Dance" (סיפור חצי רוסי).[4] | Rami | Eitan Anar's film |
| 2007 | "The Israelis" (הישראלים) | Israeli skit show | |
| 2006 | "Grease" | host | reality TV show |
| 2013-2014 | "Raid the Cage" | host | game show |
| 2015 | "Zirelson goes to Pension" | Adult Zirelson | Filmed in 2011 |
| 2016 | "Ewa" | Yoel | |
Theater
| Year | Play | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All My Sons but Naomi | Beit Lessin Theatre | ||
| Black Comedy | Beit Lessin Theatre | ||
| A Guest Has Arrived | Beit Lessin Theatre | ||
| The Twins of Venice | Beit Lessin Theatre ("להציל את איש המערות")[1] | ||
| Defending the Caveman | Beit Lessin Theatre | ||
| The Frivolity and Hypocrisy | Beer Sheva Theatre | ||
| The Taming of the Shrew | Beer Sheva Theatre | ||
| Yitush BaRosh | Beer Sheva Theatre | ||
| Gorodish | Cameri Theatre Kushnir | ||
| 2001 | A Funny Thing Happened | Cameri Theatre Kushnir | |
| The Fantastic Francis | Haifa Theater Kushnir | ||
| 2005 | The King and the Cobbler | Habima theater | |
| Mechabeset Tola ("מכבס תולה") | Original show created by Kushnir | ||
| HaMoch HaGavri("המוח הגברי") | Original show created by Kushnir |
Personal life
Kushnir was married to Fabian Lover. Kushnir is now married to Carmel and is the father of three children. He lives with his family in Tel Aviv.
His eldest son, Yotam Kushnir, is an actor and director who has appeared in several television productions, including the youth series "HaAlifim." His second son, Yiftach Kushnir, is a professional rock climber and competed in the first two seasons of the Israeli television show "Ninja Israel," finishing in third place in the first season. His daughter, Noa Kushnir, has made guest appearances in the television sitcom "HaChaim Ze Lo HaKol"
