Andranik Madadian Biography: Ethnicity, Parents, Instagram, Movies, Net Worth, Age, Height, Wife, Songs

Andranik Madadian, better known as Andy, is an Armenian-Iranian singer-songwriter and actor widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Persian pop music.

Often called the “Prince of Persian Pop” or the “Persian Bono,” he blends Persian, Armenian, and Western influences in his work, singing in multiple languages including Persian, Armenian, and English.

He first rose to fame in the 1980s as part of the duo Andy & Kouros before launching a highly successful solo career with numerous hit albums, sold-out tours, and millions of records sold. In 2020 he became the first Iranian artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Andranik Madadian
• Stage Name: Andy
• Born: 22 April 1958
• Age: 67 years old
• Birthplace: Tehran, Iran
• Nationality: Armenian-Iranian
• Occupation: Singer-Songwriter and Actor
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Madadian
• Siblings: Varouj Madadian
• Spouse: Shani Rigsbee (m. 2011)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Andranik Madadian was born on 22 April 1958 in Tehran, Iran, to Mr. and Mrs. Madadian. He grew up in a small one-room house shared with his parents, grandmother, and five siblings, including Varouj Madadian. His father worked in road construction.

Music filled the home despite the challenges, and Andy developed his talent early by playing guitar from age 14, starting with gigs to pay off a loan for his first instrument.

Details about formal schooling remain limited, though he later attended Cal State University LA on a student visa for soccer before focusing on music. He is of Armenian ethnicity, and follows Christianity.

Career

Andranik Madadian began his career in Iran during the 1970s, performing concerts and gaining early experience before the 1979 Islamic Revolution forced him to flee at age 22.

He settled in Los Angeles on a student visa, initially playing soccer but soon turning to music by forming cover bands and performing in nightclubs to support himself.

He gained recognition in the early 1980s through promoter Alireza Amirghassemi and formed the successful duo Andy & Kouros with Kouros Shahmiri in 1984.

The pair released four popular albums — Khastegary (1985), Parvaz (1987), Balla (1990), and Goodbye (1991) — featuring hits like Ma Hameh Irooni Hasteem that made them stars in the Iranian diaspora.

After splitting from Kouros in 1992, Andy launched his solo career with the album Beegharar, quickly establishing himself as a leading Persian pop artist.

He released over 15 solo albums, including Platinum (2004), City of Angels (2006), and others, blending pop, dance, rock, and soft rock elements.

Hits like Daram Miram Be Tehran, Che Khoshgel Shodi, and collaborations such as Tehran with La Toya Jackson expanded his reach.

He toured globally, sold out major venues, and became known for multicultural projects that bridged Persian, Armenian, and Western styles.

Andy remains a beloved icon in Persian music and the Iranian-American community, with a lasting legacy of hits, arena performances, and humanitarian work.

His Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2020 marked a milestone as the first for an Iranian artist. He continues releasing music, performing live, and collaborating across genres.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @andymusic1
• Facebook Handle: Andy Madadian Official
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Andranik Madadian married American singer and songwriter Shani Rigsbee on November 11, 2011, after many years together as partners in both life and music, including touring and recording. The couple has no children.

He has maintained close family ties, including with siblings like Varouj Madadian, and often speaks of his humble Tehran upbringing filled with love and music despite poverty.

Living in Los Angeles for decades, he embraces a vegetarian lifestyle, enjoys soccer, and supports animal welfare while keeping much of his private life focused on family and creativity.

Discography

• Khastegary (1985, with Kouros)
• Parvaz (1987, with Kouros)
• Balla (1990, with Kouros)
• Goodbye (1991, with Kouros)
• Beegharar (1993, solo debut)
• Tanhaee (1995)
• Devoted (1996)
• And My Heart… (2000)
• Khalvate Man (2002)
• Platinum (2004)
• City of Angels (2006)
• Tehran (feat. La Toya Jackson, single)
• Daram Miram Be Tehran (single)
• Che Khoshgel Shodi (single)

Net Worth

Andranik Madadian has an estimated net worth of $10 million. His wealth stems primarily from decades of album sales, global concert tours, live performances in major venues, royalties from hits, and collaborations, along with his enduring popularity in the Persian music scene and diaspora communities.