Michael Niavarani Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Movies, Awards, Ethnicity, Books

Michael Niavarani, is an Austrian-Iranian comedian, actor, author, and theater producer.

He rose from theater stages to become artistic director and eventual owner of the historic Kabarett Simpl, one of Europe’s oldest cabarets.

Niavarani’s career bridges cabaret, television, film, and literature, with bestselling books like Vater Morgana topping Austrian charts and TV roles in series such as Kaisermühlen Blues broadening his reach.

His humor, laced with personal anecdotes from his dual cultural background, has earned him multiple Romy Awards as Austria’s favorite cabarettist and series star.

He founded the innovative Globe Wien Shakespeare theater in 2014, staging sold-out comedic twists on classics like Richard III. and Romeo & Julia.

Profile

• Full Name: Michael Niavarani
• Stage Name: Michael Niavarani
• Born: 29 April, 1968
• Age: 57 years old
• Birthplace: Vienna, Austria
• Nationality: Austrian
• Occupation: Comedian, Actor, Author, Theatre Manager
• Height: 1.80m
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Partner: Helen Zellweger
• Children: 1
• Relationship: Dating
• Net Worth: $2 million

Early Life and Education

Michael Niavarani was born on April 29, 1968, in Vienna, Austria, as the son of an Iranian father and an Austrian mother, though details about their names are not publicly known.

He might have had siblings but details about them are unknown. He nurtured early interests in biology and history while playing violin, but acting captivated him young.

Niavarani debuted on stage in 1983 in a Max Frisch play as a student, bypassing formal drama school for hands-on theater immersion. He joined Vienna’s Graumann-Theater ensemble in 1986 without a university degree, honing skills through performance. He is of Austrian-Iranian ethnicity, though he keeps his religion private.

Career

Michael Niavarani kicked off his career in 1983 with a student stage role in a Max Frisch production, transitioning to professional acting at Vienna’s Graumann-Theater in 1986.

By 1989, he joined Kabarett Simpl, the venerable Viennese cabaret founded in 1912, where he sharpened his satirical edge.

In 1993, he took over as artistic director, revitalizing the venue with programs blending his Iranian-Austrian roots into commentary on migration, norms, and politics.

Early TV breaks came via ORF’s Comedy Express, where he wrote and performed sketches, followed by films like I love Vienna (1990) and Höhenangst (1993) under Houchang Allahyari.

His first lead role arrived in the series Kaisermühlen Blues (1996), catapulting him to wider fame.

Niavarani co-created Wer lacht, gewinnt! and hosted quiz shows like Was gibt es Neues? His debut cabaret hits with Viktor Gernot, sparked by their 1993 stage pairing, laid groundwork for enduring partnerships.

These steps fused theater discipline with broadcast savvy, earning initial Romy Awards in 2006 as beloved series star.

Niavarani solidified dominance at Kabarett Simpl through hits like Niavarani’s Kühlschrank (2002) and revues Hätti Wari Wäri (2003), while TV ventures Wodka Orange (1999) with Gernot won fans.

He produced and starred in series Ex – Eine romantische Komödie (2008), showcasing directorial chops. Bestsellers Vater Morgana (2009) and Der frühe Wurm hat einen Vogel (2011) dominated Austrian lists, cementing his authorship.

Encyclopaedia Niavaranica (2008) solo show and Zwei Musterknaben (2009) nabbed the Austrian Kabarettpreis in 2010. Films Salami Aleikum and Die Mamba highlighted his acting range, alongside narration for documentaries like Österreich: Oben und Unten (2015).

In 2011, voters crowned him “Lustigster Österreicher.” He helmed Festspiele Berndorf (2011-2013), scoring sellouts with Das perfekte Desaster Dinner.

Ein Trottel kommt selten allein (2017) extended his literary streak. Romy wins in 2007 and 2008 as top cabarettist affirmed his ascent.

Michael Niavarani purchased Kabarett Simpl in 2019, ensuring its legacy while expanding via Globe Wien, co-founded in 2014 with Georg Hoanzl in a repurposed cattle hall mimicking Shakespeare’s Globe.

Productions Die unglaubliche Tragödie von Richard III. (2014) and Romeo & Julia – Ohne Tod kein Happy End (2016) packed houses with irreverent twists.

He graces Vienna State Opera debuts and sustains cabaret duos with Gernot. Books like ongoing prose fuel bestsellers, paired with TV guest spots and film roles. Niavarani’s satire shapes Austrian discourse on multiculturalism, influencing cabaret revival and theater innovation.

His output spans Yek Shabe Irani Persian-Austrian comedy to modern revues, amassing awards including three Romys and global nods. As producer, he nurtures talents, leaving indelible marks on Vienna’s cultural fabric.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @michael_niavarani
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Michael Niavarani is in a relationship with his partner Helen Zellweger, embracing a committed relationship away from spotlights. He fathers one daughter, keeping her name and details shielded from the media.

Niavarani resides in Vienna, balancing family with relentless creative output in cabaret and theater.

Filmography

• I love Vienna (1990)
• Höhenangst (1993)
• Salami Aleikum (2004)
• Die Mamba (2014)

Net Worth

Michael Niavarani has an estimated net worth of $2 million. Cabaret direction at Kabarett Simpl, ownership since 2019, and packed Globe Wien seasons drive core revenue.

Bestseller royalties from Vater Morgana and sequels, plus TV series pay, film gigs, and Romy-endorsed shows, fuel his prosperity.