Raz Degan

Last updated
Raz Degan
Born (1968-08-25) 25 August 1968 (age 56)
Kibbutz, Sde Nehemia, Israel
Occupation
• Actor

• Film director • Cinematographer • Producer • Photographer • Documentary filmmaker • Public figure • Explorer

Contents

Years active1990–present
Known for‘’The Last Shaman’’, ‘’L’Isola dei Famosi’’, ‘’Raz & The Tribe’’

Raz Degan (born August 25, 1968) is a multifaceted artist, actor, director, cinematographer, and public figure, whose career spans feature films, documentary filmmaking, photography, and immersive storytelling. Recognized for his bold creative vision, he has worked with Academy Award-winning filmmakers such as Oliver Stone and Ermanno Olmi, bringing historical and deeply introspective roles to life. His documentary films, including ‘’The Last Shaman’’, executive-produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, explore human resilience, spiritual awakening, and indigenous cultures, while his artistic photography has been exhibited internationally.

A prominent figure in Italian cinema and television, Degan has chosen a life away from the glam and glitter, deliberately stepping beyond the industry’s traditional pathways to explore real, untamed human experiences. His work blends artistic vision with raw, documentary-style storytelling, making him one of the few in the industry who lives the stories he tells.

Beyond entertainment, Degan is an adventurer, explorer, and humanitarian, having traveled to over 120 countries. He has lived among Amazonian tribes, trekked the Silk Road on foot, crossed the Afghan and Pakistani highlands, and documented vanishing cultures. His work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and environmental organizations reflects his commitment to conservation and indigenous rights.

In 2017, he won ‘’L’Isola dei Famosi’’ (Italy’s version of ‘‘Survivor’’), proving his resilience, survival instincts, and self-sufficiency, reinforcing his reputation as a storyteller who truly lives the stories he tells.

Career

Acting & Filmmaking

Degan began his acting career in the mid-1990s and quickly established himself as a versatile performer in international cinema. His film debut was a cameo in Robert Altman’s ‘’Prêt-à-Porter’’ (1994), which led to a series of roles in Italian and international productions.

In 2004, he portrayed Darius III of Persia in Oliver Stone’s historical epic ‘’Alexander’’, sharing the screen with Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie, and Anthony Hopkins. His performances in art-house European films, such as Ermanno Olmi’s ‘’One Hundred Nails’’ (2007) and the medieval war drama ‘’Barbarossa’’ (2009), positioned him as a serious, transformative actor.

Degan’s interest in authentic storytelling led him into documentary filmmaking and cinematography. In 2016, he directed ‘’The Last Shaman’’, an intimate look at Amazonian shamanic healing and mental health, executive-produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. The film received critical acclaim for its raw, immersive approach to exploring ancient healing traditions.

Photography & Art

A lifelong photographer, Degan’s work focuses on vanishing cultures, human resilience, and the intersection between nature and identity. His photography has been published in leading international magazines and showcased in exhibitions across Milan, Bali, New York, and Tel Aviv. His solo exhibition “Ancient Light”, held in multiple locations, presented his visual anthropology of remote civilizations.

Television & Reality Survival

Degan has merged his adventurous spirit with television storytelling, bringing his real-life experiences into mainstream media: • 2010–2011: Hosted ‘‘Mistero’’, a documentary series investigating ancient civilizations, unsolved mysteries, and the unexplained. • 2017: Won ‘’L’Isola dei Famosi’’ (Italy’s version of ‘‘Survivor’’) with an overwhelming 89% of the public vote, proving his survival skills and adaptability in extreme conditions. • 2018: Created, directed, and hosted ‘’Raz & The Tribe’’, a docu-reality series on Sky Atlantic, where he and guests—such as Luca Argentero, Asia Argento, and Piero Pelù—lived among remote indigenous cultures in Ethiopia, Sumatra, and New Guinea. • 2025: Cast in ‘‘Un passo dal cielo 8’’, playing Stephan Anderson, further expanding his presence in Italian television and drama.

Humanitarian Work & Exploration

Degan has used his platform to advocate for environmental conservation, indigenous rights, and displaced communities. He has collaborated with UNHCR and various environmental NGOs, using his films and photography to bring awareness to fragile ecosystems and cultures on the brink of extinction. ---

Filmography

Films

YearTitleRoleNotes
1994‘’Prêt-à-Porter’’UnknownUncredited
1996‘’Squillo’’Inspector Tony Messina
1998‘‘Coppia omicida’’Vito
1999‘’Titus’’Alarbus
2001‘‘Giravolte’’Beau
2004‘’Alexander’’ Darius III of Persia
2007‘’One Hundred Nails’’The Professor
2008‘‘Albakiara: Il film’’Alessandro Castri
2009‘’Barbarossa’’ Alberto da Giussano
2011‘’Forces spéciales’’Zaief
2012‘’Omamamia’’Silvio
2022‘’Under the Amalfi Sun’’David
2023‘’Still Time’’Luca

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1996Sorellina e il principe del sognoDemianMiniseries
1998Le ragazze di Piazza di SpagnaForti di San SebastianoMiniseries
2005 Camera Café RazEpisode: "Regalo per Patti"
2010 Ballando con le Stelle ContestantDance talent show (Season 6)
2010–2011MisteroHost, ProducerDocumentary series (Seasons 3–4)
2017 L'Isola dei Famosi Contestant**Winner (Season 12)**
2018Raz & The TribeHost, Director, Writer**Docu-reality series on Sky Atlantic (4 episodes)**
2019Linea BiancaGuestItalian travel & nature program focused on sustainability
2020Freedom - Oltre il ConfineGuest ContributorDocumentary series exploring historical and scientific mysteries
2021 Le indagini di Lolita Lobosco Benallal MatouEpisode: "Spaghetti all'assassina"
2022Cortesie per gli ospitiGuestReality cooking and home hosting show
2025Un passo dal cielo 8**Stephan Anderson**Upcoming season
VariousMaurizio Costanzo Show**Frequent guest**, discussing his career, personal life, and philosophy
VariousDomenica In**Multiple appearances**, sharing stories and career insights
VariousVerissimoInterviewed by **Silvia Toffanin** on Canale 5
VariousBuona DomenicaAppeared in **entertainment segments, interviews, and live performances**
VariousPorta a PortaDiscussed his **acting career and environmental advocacy**
VariousChe tempo che faFeatured as a guest in discussions on **film, adventure, and spirituality**
VariousMatrixSpoke about **his work in documentaries and international cinema**
VariousGambero Rosso ChannelShared his **passion for cooking, food culture, and travel**
VariousLinea VerdeDiscussed **sustainable living, organic farming, and conservation efforts**
VariousGeo & GeoFeatured on **nature and environmental preservation topics**
VariousAlle falde del KilimangiaroShared **stories from his worldwide travels and explorations**
VariousTiki TakaDiscussed **adventure, extreme sports, and cinema**
VariousStriscia la NotiziaSpecial guest, covering **investigative and social issues**
VariousBallando con le Stelle – SpecialGuest judge and former contestant appearance
VariousL’Isola dei Famosi – SpecialFeatured in **post-season interviews and special episodes**
VariousTelegatto Awards**Multiple-time guest and nominee** at Italy’s television awards
VariousDavid di Donatello Awards**Attendee** at Italy’s most prestigious film awards
VariousFestival di Sanremo**Guest appearance** on Italy’s premier music festival
VariousMiss ItaliaGuest appearance as **a judge and presenter**
VariousGuinness World Records**Participated in record-breaking challenges**
VariousE poi c'è CattelanInterviewed about **his career, travel experiences, and film projects**
VariousL’intervista con Maurizio CostanzoOne-on-one in-depth interview about **his life and philosophy**
VariousLe IeneSpecial guest in investigative segments and entertainment episodes
VariousPechino Express – SpecialGuest in **episodes of the adventure reality show**
VariousFestival del Cinema di Venezia**Red carpet appearances and industry interviews**
VariousSky Arte – SpecialFeatured in discussions on **documentary filmmaking and artistic expression**

References

    1. Degan, Raz. “The Last Shaman.” Raz Degan Official Website. Accessed March 1, 2025. https://www.razdegan.com/the-last-shaman 2. Scardi, Rosanna. “Raz Degan, l’attore israeliano che vive in un trullo a Ostuni, paparazzato con la compagna per le vie di Roma. ‘In Puglia coltiviamo la terra’.” Corriere della Sera, February 1, 2025. https://lecce.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_febbraio_01/raz-degan-l-attore-israeliano-che-vive-in-un-trullo-di-ostuni-paparazzato-con-la-compagna-a-roma-in-puglia-coltiviamo-la-terra-08e9ce48-7f01-47c2-baae-31bac104fxlk.shtml 3. Redazione People. “Raz Degan presenta la fidanzata Cindy: ‘Stiamo insieme da sei anni. La vita insieme è un’avventura’.” Vanity Fair Italia, December 17, 2023. https://www.vanityfair.it/article/raz-degan-presenta-fidanzata-cindy-stiamo-insieme-da-sei-anni-la-vita-insieme-avventura 4. Mercuri, Roberta. “Raz Degan: ‘Le cicatrici della guerra sono incise sulla mia pelle, così come su quella dei ragazzi palestinesi’.” Vanity Fair Italia, October 17, 2023. https://www.vanityfair.it/article/raz-degan-kibbutz-israeliano-cicatrici-guerra-palestinesi 5. Degan, Raz. “Photography.” Raz Degan Official Website. Accessed March 1, 2025. https://www.razdegan.com/photography 6. Mercuri, Roberta. “Raz Degan, 50 anni da leone (libero).” Vanity Fair Italia, August 25, 2018. https://www.vanityfair.it/people/italia/2018/08/25/raz-degan-50-anni-da-leone-libero 7. Degan, Raz. “The Lost Sadhu.” Raz Degan Official Website. Accessed March 1, 2025. https://www.razdegan.com/the-lost-sadhu 8. Degan, Raz. “Raz in the Urban Jungle.” Raz Degan Official Website. Accessed March 1, 2025. https://www.razdegan.com/raz-in-the-urban-jungle 9. Degan, Raz. “The Last Shaman OnDemand.” Raz Degan Official Website. Accessed March 1, 2025. https://www.razdegan.com/the-last-shaman-ondemand 10. Mercuri, Roberta. “Raz Degan: ‘Il nostro kibbutz è stato evacuato, mia sorella sta arrivando in Italia. Ma mio padre, 80 anni, non vuole lasciare la sua casa’.” Vanity Fair Italia, October 15, 2023. https://www.vanityfair.it/article/raz-degan-kibbutz-evacuato-sorella-sta-arrivando-in-italia-padre-80-anni 11. Costantini, Emilia. “Raz Degan: ‘Nato in un kibbutz, da qualche anno vivo in un trullo. Sono un attore-contadino’.” Corriere della Sera, January 5, 2025. https://www.corriere.it/spettacoli/25_gennaio_05/raz-degan-nato-in-un-kibbutz-da-qualche-anno-vivo-in-un-trullo-sono-un-attore-contadino-c2392069-585d-4048-b8a9-4b09bb81exlk.shtml 12. Siri, Simona. “Raz Degan: ‘Guardatemi bene. Fra poco scompaio’.” Vanity Fair Italia, August 25, 2023. https://www.vanityfair.it/article/raz-degan-guardatemi-bene-fra-poco-scompaio-intervista 13. Redazione Online. “Che fine ha fatto Raz Degan: il Gf ‘spazzatura’, la compagna misteriosa, il padre rivisto dopo 16 anni.” Corriere della Sera, August 25, 2023. https://www.corriere.it/spettacoli/cards/che-fine-ha-fatto-raz-degan-gf-spazzatura-compagna-misteriosa-padre-rivisto-16-anni/cameriere-new-york-modello-caso_principale.shtml

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