Avi Kushnir

Abraham Yeshayahu Kushnir (; 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. 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 (lit. The Bums), with the comical song Shir Habatlanim which finished in eighth place. Guest role Children's show 1985 Banot 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. Gadi Neumann Israeli sitcom 2002-2003 "Madrich Kushnir" (מדריך קושניר, lit. "Kushnir's Guide"). host travel show on Channel 2 2004 "Metallic Blues". 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). 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") 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"