Omid Djalili – Biography, Age, Wife, and Controversy Explained

Omid Djalili is a British-Iranian comedian, actor, and writer known for his energetic stand-up and appearances in major Hollywood films. He has built a career spanning television, cinema, and the live stage since the mid-1990s.

With credits ranging from The Mummy to Gladiator, Djalili has become a familiar face in popular culture. Away from the stage, his personal background — including his Baháʼí faith and family life — has consistently drawn public curiosity.

This article lays out what is publicly known about his age, religion, family, career highlights, and the recent online discussions around him.

Who Is Omid Djalili? Age, Background, and Ethnicity

Omid Djalili was born on 30 September 1965 in the Kensington/Chelsea area of London. As of 2026, he is 60 years old. His Iranian heritage and British upbringing have shaped a comedy style rooted in cultural observation.

Key Insights

• Djalili was born in London to Iranian Baháʼí parents.
• He began his career at the 1995 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
• His role as an Egyptian guard in The Mummy remains widely recognized.
• He has described himself as a practising Baháʼí.
• He is married to Annabel Knight, with three children.
• His outspoken stance on Iranian protests has drawn online backlash.

Snapshot Facts

What Is Omid Djalili’s Religion?

Djalali was raised in the Baháʼí faith and is described as a practising Baháʼí. This is well-documented across Wikipedia, IMDb, and Bahaipedia. The faith is a minority religion in Iran, which has informed some of his comedy and public commentary.

Who Is Omid Djalili’s Wife?

Omid Djalili is married to Annabel Knight. The couple married in 1992, according to Wikipedia and IMDb. They have three children together, though their names have not been widely publicized.

The marriage spans more than three decades, and Djalili often references family dynamics in his stand-up. Despite his high profile, the family maintains a relatively private life away from the red carpet.

What Movies and TV Shows Has Omid Djalili Been In? (Plus His Role in The Mummy)

Djalali’s film career has mixed blockbusters, independent cinema, and animation. One of his most recognized appearances is as Warden Gad Hassan in the 1999 film The Mummy, where he shared the screen with Brendan Fraser.

His other film credits include Gladiator (2000), Notting Hill, The World Is Not Enough, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Sex and the City 2, The Love Guru, Shaun the Sheep Movie, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and The Infidel — the latter being a comedy drama where he played a Muslim man who discovers his Jewish heritage.

What stand-up shows has Omid Djalili done?

He began his career at the 1995 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and has since toured extensively. His earlier shows included Short, Fat Kebab Shop Owner’s Son and The Arab and the Jew. His later performances include the recently announced Tonight with Omid. Sources confirm his extended career in stand-up, with recent touring activity noted by Chartwell Speakers and the Top Secret Comedy Club.

What TV shows has Omid Djalili appeared on?

His television credits are extensive, including The Omid Djalili Show, Have I Got News for You, Winning Combination, Tonight with Omid (announced), Insert Name Here, Question Time, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Would I Lie to You?, Live at the Apollo, Headcases, Relic Hunter, and also His Dark Materials and The Letter for the King. He has also appeared on Celebrity Mastermind and Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel.

Why Is Omid Djalili ‘Cancelled’? Controversy and Context

Online discussions have occasionally labeled Djalali as “cancelled.” No major institutional cancellation or formal ban has been documented. Instead, the label appears to reflect social media backlash related to his commentary on political matters. User accounts on platforms like X and Instagram discussed his statements about the Woman, Life, Freedom protest movement in Iran.

In late 2022 and 2023, Djalali voiced outspoken on the Iranian protests. A fraction of online users reacted negatively to his stances. Despite this, his touring schedule and acting commitments continue.

For additional context on other comedians facing public pressure and how they navigated similar phases, you may explore John Bishop – Bio, Age, Tour 2025 & Bradley Cooper Story.

What Is Omid’s Net Worth in 2025?

Net worth must be spoken of with caution. No reliable figure was confirmed in any of the sources. Sources like Wikipedia and IMDb provide filmographies but not financial data, and the entertainer’s official website does not offer such numbers.

Given his decades of touring, acting, and television work, various unofficial estimations have circulated online. However, without an official revelation or a trusted financial outlet, any numerical figure is an attempt, not a verified fact. He cannot be considered ‘cancelled’ when commercial projects continue.

Similarly, for context on another major UK comedian with a tour circuit and media, see Kevin Bridges – Biography, Wife, Net Worth, and 2026 Tour.

Key Milestones in Omid Djalili’s Career

The following timeline highlights the sector’s main turning points:

1. 1965: Born in London on 30 September.
2. 1995 – Debuted at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
3. 1999 – Played Warden Gad Hassan in The Mummy.
4. 2000s – Expanded acting portfolio with Hollywood titles including Gladiator.
5. 2010s – Continued film work, such as The Infidel and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
6. 2022–2023 – Publicly addressed the Woman, Life, Freedom protests in Iran; attracted mixed reactions.
7. 2024–2025 – Continued touring with his live comedy.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Omid Djalili?

Why Is There a Context Around ‘Namaste’ and the Controversy?

Some keywords associated with the comic include “Namaste tour.” However, no verified source has produced a documented event under that name. The search results did not list an official “Namaste” tour. In fact, his official work seems to reference standard UK performances.

Any attempt to tie Djalali to a “betrayal” event or a Nigerian connection has not been confirmed. These terms appear as low-volume searches, and no credible source has revealed a specific incident. It is plausible they stem from social media references that have been taken as factual.

The broader idea was Djalali’s career has always existed alongside cross-cultural critique. He often touches on ethnicity, prejudices, and religion — sometimes drawing strong responses from different audiences. Lately, his public conversation through social media has continued this theme, with historical references recurring in his act.

Omid Djalili (born 30 September 1965) is a British comedian, actor, and writer of Iranian descent.

— Wikipedia

An actor and stand-up comedian, born in London to Iranian parents of the Baha’i faith.

— IMDb

Hysterically funny, poignant, and powerful — Omid Djalili transcends stand-up comedy.

— official website

The Bottom Line: What Is Known About Omid Djalili?

Omid Djalili remains an active performer with a significant comedic and acting legacy. He is a family man, a practising Baháʼí, and a vocal artist who uses his platform. The “cancelled” narrative appears to be overstated, built on social media conversations rather than professional events. His exact net worth remains undocumented. Above all, his recorded legacy in films and shows like The Mummy is factually reliable from official cast and crew sources.

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