The Ophir Award for Best Supporting Actress went to Mili Avital in 1991, signaling the start of a professional career that transitioned from Israeli stage and television to international cinema. Since moving to New York in 1993, she has balanced a consistent presence in Hollywood film productions with ongoing creative work in her home country.
Early Development in Israel
Born on 30 March 1972 in Jerusalem, Avital was raised in Tel Aviv and Ra'anana. Her parents, Iko and Noni Avital, were students at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design during her birth. She pursued formal artistic training at the Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts in Givatayim, focusing on theater. Before completing her secondary education, she appeared in a production of Christopher Hampton's Dangerous Liaisons at the Cameri Theater of Tel Aviv.
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After relocating to New York City in 1993 to attend the Circle in the Square Theatre School, Avital was discovered by an agent while working in a restaurant. This led to her selection as the female lead in the 1994 science fiction feature Stargate. Her subsequent film credits include Jim Jarmusch's Dead Man, Robert Benton's The Human Stain, and Doug Ellin's Kissing a Fool. She also appeared in Polish Wedding.
Television and International Roles
Avital's television work is extensive, featuring a recurring role in the FX drama Damages and an appearance in 666 Park Avenue. She starred in the NBC drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and the series Law & Order: Criminal Intent. In 2009, she began a role in the Israeli series Prisoners of War, a show later adapted into the American program Homeland. Other projects include the miniseries Arabian Nights and the telefilm Uprising.
Directing and Contemporary Projects
Expanding beyond acting, Avital directed the short documentary I Think Myself I Am All the Time Younger, which screened at the 2004 Tribeca Film Festival. She later co-wrote and directed the stage production Next Stop - A Comedy of Misconnections. In 2023, she co-wrote the play I Hear You, which received the Play of the Year award. Her 2024 slate includes roles in the Netflix film Mary, the series Kugel, and an Italian production based on a novel by Meir Shalev.
Fast facts
- Born: 30 March 1972, Jerusalem
- Education: Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts; Circle in the Square Theatre School
- Spouse: Charles Randolph
- Primary Languages: Hebrew, English
- Notable Award: Ophir Award for Best Supporting Actress
- Religious Affiliation: Judaism
Questions readers ask
Is Mili Avital still active in the film industry?
Yes. As of 2024, she has completed roles in the film Mary and the series Kugel.
Where does Mili Avital reside?
She lives in both London and New York.
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