Avi Kushnir


Abraham Yeshayahu Kushnir. 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. 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.

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.

Eurovision Song Contest

In 1987, while he was 27 years old, Kushnir represented Israel in the 1987 Eurovision Song Contest alongside, as part of the comedic duo HaBatlanim, with the comical song Shir Habatlanim which finished in eighth place'''.'''

Filmography

Theater

YearPlayRoleNotes
All My Sons but NaomiBeit Lessin Theatre
Black ComedyBeit Lessin Theatre
A Guest Has ArrivedBeit Lessin Theatre
The Twins of VeniceBeit Lessin Theatre
Defending the CavemanBeit Lessin Theatre
The Frivolity and HypocrisyBeer Sheva Theatre
The Taming of the ShrewBeer Sheva Theatre
Yitush BaRoshBeer Sheva Theatre
GorodishCameri Theatre Kushnir
2001A Funny Thing HappenedCameri Theatre Kushnir
The Fantastic FrancisHaifa Theater Kushnir
2005The King and the CobblerHabima theater
Mechabeset Tola Original show created by Kushnir
HaMoch HaGavriOriginal 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"