Mario Philip Azzopardi Biography: Ethnicity, Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Films, Height, Awards, Controversy, TV Shows

Mario Philip Azzopardi is a prominent filmmaker and director who rose to widespread recognition through his extensive contributions to both North American television and the foundations of modern Maltese cinema.

He first gained significant notoriety in his home country by directing the landmark feature film Gagga in 1971, which holds the distinction of being the first full-length movie produced entirely in the Maltese language.

His career shifted to North America following a high-profile censorship dispute in Malta, where he eventually secured his place in the science fiction genre by directing the pilot episode and numerous subsequent installments of the critically acclaimed series Stargate SG-1.

Beyond his work in the Stargate universe, he is well known for directing various episodes of the 1990s revival of The Outer Limits and co-creating the award-winning miniseries ZOS: Zone of Separation, which further solidified his reputation as a versatile and technically proficient director in the international television industry.

Profile

• Full Name: Mario Philip Azzopardi
• Date of Birth: November 19, 1950
• Age: 75 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of Birth: Siggiewi, Malta
• Nationality: Maltese-Canadian
• Profession: Film and television director and writer
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Therese Vella
• Children: Lara Azzopardi, Kyra Azzopardi, Yari Azzopardi
• Relationship Status: Married
• Religion: Christian
• Ethnicity: Maltese
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Mario Philip Azzopardi is now at the age of 75 and was born on November 19, 1950.

He spent his formative years in Siggiewi, a traditional village in Malta, where he lived prior to his eventual relocation to North America in the late 1970s.

While details concerning his brothers or sisters remain private, his upbringing in the Mediterranean island nation deeply influenced his early creative output and his commitment to the Maltese language.

For his secondary education, he attended St Aloysius’ College in Birkirkara, an institution known for its academic rigor.

He later pursued higher studies at the Royal University of Malta, where he immersed himself in the world of drama and film production.

During his time at the university, he demonstrated a strong aptitude for storytelling, which culminated in the production of his first major film project before his graduation.

Personal Life

Mario Philip Azzopardi is married to Therese Vella, and the couple has maintained a long-standing partnership since their emigration from Malta to Canada in 1978.

Their transition to North America was prompted by professional challenges in Malta, and they built a life together while raising three children in the Canadian entertainment landscape.

Their children, Lara, Kyra, and Yari, have all established themselves in various facets of film and television, reflecting the creative environment of their household.

Career

Mario Philip Azzopardi professional journey began with the groundbreaking film Gagga in 1971, which transformed the Maltese film landscape by proving that native-language cinema was viable.

After moving to Canada, he transitioned into mainstream television, where he became a prolific director for high-budget productions.

His involvement in the Stargate franchise, specifically directing Children of the Gods, helped set the tone for one of the most successful science fiction series in history.

He also directed episodes for iconic shows such as RoboCop: The Series, The Flash, and The Outer Limits.

In his later career, he returned to Malta to lead the Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture initiative as Artistic Director and founded Stagun Teatru Malti, a company dedicated to original Maltese theater.

Awards and Nominations

• Gemini Award for Best Direction in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series (2000)
• Nominated for Gemini Award for Best Direction in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series (2002)
• Nominated for Directors Guild of Canada Award (2003)
• Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Book Council of Malta (2016)
• Nominated for Gemini Award for Best Direction in a Dramatic Series (1998)

Net Worth

Mario Philip Azzopardi’s estimated net worth is $5 million.

This wealth comes from directing over 300 hours of prime-time television for major North American networks, as well as production and writing credits.

His financial standing also includes leadership roles in cultural projects in Malta, such as his time as Artistic Director for the Valletta 2018 Foundation.

Controversy

In 1977, Maltese censors banned his play Sulari fuq Strada Stretta, which led to debate about artistic freedom and his decision to leave the country.

Later, as Artistic Director for Valletta 2018, he faced public criticism after making controversial comments on social media.

These comments, seen as critical of certain groups, caused internal friction and accusations of Islamophobia, though he said his critiques were aimed at ideas, not religion.

Social Media

• N/A

Filmography

• Gagga (1971)
• Deadline (1980)
• Divided Loyalties (1989)
• The Flash (1990)
• RoboCop: The Series (1994)
• The Outer Limits (1995)
• Stargate SG-1 (1997)
• Stargate Atlantis (2004)
• Savage Messiah (2002)
• ZOS: Zone of Separation (2009)
• Saul: The Journey to Damascus (2014)