Omid Djalili – Age, Wife, Net Worth and the Truth About Cancelled Rumours

Omid Djalili is a British comedian and actor who has built a career spanning stage and screen. Known for his distinctive cross-cultural comedy and roles in major Hollywood films, he remains an active figure in the entertainment industry. This article provides a detailed look at his background, career, personal life, and the facts behind recent rumors.

Born in London to Iranian parents, Djalili’s work often draws on his heritage but has evolved to cover broader themes. He continues to tour and release new projects, making him a relevant subject for those curious about his life, net worth, and current activities.

How Old Is Omid Djalili and What Is His Background?

Omid Djalili was born on 30 September 1965 at St Mary Abbots Hospital in Kensington, London, to Ahmad and Parvaneh Djalili, Iranian immigrants who are followers of the Baha’i faith. He holds British nationality and is of Iranian (Persian) ethnicity. Despite online speculation, he is not of Nigerian descent; this rumor appears to be unfounded.

• Djalili is a British comedian of Iranian descent, best known for his stand-up and film roles.
• Persistent online claims that he has been “cancelled” are not supported by evidence; he continues to tour and release television projects.
• He is a practicing member of the Baha’i faith, a factor that influences his worldview and comedic material.
• His 2025 Namaste tour reflects a move toward more globally thematic stand-up content.
• He is one of only two British comedians (alongside Eddie Izzard) to have recorded an HBO special.

Who Is Omid Djalili’s Wife and What Is His Net Worth?

Annabel Knight: Marriage and Family

Omid Djalili has been married to actress Annabel Knight since 1992. The couple have three children together: Isabella, Louis, and Daniel. Knight is a British actress known for her work in theatre and television. Djalili has generally kept his family life out of the spotlight, but publicly acknowledges his wife and children.

Net Worth: Estimates and Uncertainty

Estimates of Omid Djalili’s net worth vary. Industry sources suggest a figure in the range of $2–4 million, though no official confirmation exists. One online estimate from 2024 placed it at $9.2 million, but this has not been verified by reliable financial reports. It is most accurate to describe his net worth as moderate and primarily derived from his stand-up tours, film roles, and television appearances.

What Movies and TV Shows Has Omid Djalili Been In?

Film Career

Djalili has appeared in a number of high-profile films. He played Farouk in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) and had roles in Gladiator (2000), Sex and the City 2 (2010), Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007), and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018). He also voiced a character in the Oscar-nominated Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015) and won Best Actor at the Turin Film Festival for his performance in The Infidel (2010).

Television Work

On television, Djalili headlined The Omid Djalili Show on BBC One for two seasons. He played roles in HBO/BBC’s His Dark Materials (2019), Netflix’s The Letter for the King (2020) as Sir Fantumar, and the NBC sitcom Whoopi alongside Whoopi Goldberg. In 2025, he appears in the spy thriller Betrayal, reportedly available on ITVX.

What Is the Omid Djalili Namaste Tour?

The Namaste tour represents Djalili’s latest stand-up venture for 2025, with dates scheduled across the United Kingdom. The show is described as a shift toward more introspective and global-themed material, moving beyond his earlier Iranian diaspora comedy. Tickets and venue information are available through his official website. Despite some online confusion, the tour has not been cancelled and is proceeding as planned.

Key Milestones in Omid Djalili’s Career

1. 1965 – Born in London to Iranian Baha’i parents.
2. 1995 – Began his stand-up career at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
3. 2008 – Played Farouk in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.
4. 2016 – Won the Edinburgh Comedy Award Panel Prize.
5. 2022 – Started openly supporting the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran.
6. 2025 – Namaste UK tour in progress.

Is Omid Djalili Cancelled? Separating Fact from Rumor

What Does Omid Djalili’s Baha’i Faith Mean for His Comedy?

Omid Djalili is one of the few mainstream comedians who openly identifies as a Baha’i. The Baha’i faith emphasizes unity, equality, and social justice, principles that occasionally appear in his stand-up material. He avoids sectarian humor and instead uses his faith as a lens for commentary on global issues. His activism, particularly in support of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, is consistent with Baha’i teachings on human rights. This public stance has attracted polarized attention but has not negatively affected his career trajectory.

Sources and Quotes

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

“WOMAN, LIFE, FREEDOM. New UK TOUR DATES of NAMASTE.” – Omid Djalili Instagram bio

“Born in London to Iranian parents of the Baha’i faith.” – IMDB

Summary

Omid Djalili remains a prominent British-Iranian comedian and actor whose career continues to evolve. He is not cancelled, his Namaste tour is ongoing, and his net worth is estimated in the low millions. For more on performers with similar backgrounds, see our guide to British Iranian comedians in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions