Acclaimed Iranian American Director Reza Badiyi Passes Away

August 22, 2011 – Reza Badiyi (born 1930), a prolific film and television director, passed away on Saturday, August 20th at the UCLA Medical Center due to medical complications.
 
Born in Arak Iran, Mr. Badiyi graduated from the Academy of Drama in Iran and moved to the United States in 1955 to pursue a film career.  He went on to graduate from Syracuse University in audiovisual studies and began his career as a cinematographer, working with legendary directors Robert Altman and Sam Peckinpah.  Mr. Badiyi went on to set the Directors Guild of America record for directing the most hours of episodic series television.  His directing credits include Hawaii Five-O, Mission Impossible, and The Six Million Dollar Man among many other classics.
 
“He was a proud Iranian American and was very involved in the community,” said family friend Bita Milanian. “He was a true Iranian at heart and could recite Iranian poetry like no other. The community is mourning tremendously for his loss.”
 
“We express our sincerest sympathies to the family of Mr. Badiyi,” PAAIA’s Chair, Ali Mojdehi said. “PAAIA was honored to have Mr. Badiyi as one of our distinguished speakers at the Passing the Torch of Success event in Orange County. His success in his chosen field speaks volumes about his spirit and passion, and sets an example for all.”      

In 2009, Mr. Badiyi received the Lifetime Achievement Award (Persian Golden Lioness) in dramatic arts from The World Academy of Arts Literature and Media.  A year later he was honored by the Iranian American community at UCLA for his 80th birthday and his 60th year in the entertainment industry.  The tributes from that evening included certificates from the Farhang Foundation and PAAIA as well as a proclamation from Beverly Hills Mayor Jimmy Delshad.