Tehran, Iran — Iranian-American director and actor and producer Tony Zarindast died here of cancer Nov. 29. He was 82.
He was reportedly considered by some to be the “Persian Ed Wood” and MSTies will remember his work as writer, director and producer of the movie in episode 904- WEREWOLF (in which he also appeared).
We’ll have more soon.
Thanks to Rick and Paul for the heads up.
RIP, Tony. You and your weird artistic vision will be missed.
The “Persian Ed Wood.” Wow. Big shoes to fill, but he filled ’em. So long, Mister Zarindast. You were enjoyed.
He was definitely distinct, that’s for sure. RIP indeed.
Absolutely amazing IMDB list of work — the English language titles alone seem like they’d make an insane film fest. I mean, Hardcase and Fist? Which apparently stars or at least features Angelyne! (If you’re from LA, you know.)
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0953494/
I note this — the most recent film listed, 2012’s Golden Cage, stars none other than…Joe Estevez!
That’s absolutely fascinating!
Thank you, Persian Ed Wood, for making us laugh about wahrwilfs. Again.
So this year lost two famous Iranian directors: Abbas Kiarostami (known as one of the world’s greats) and this guy.
Seriously, eff this year.
It’s Sad. Tony Zarindast liscenced his film for both the TV and Home video version of MST3K. I’m sad I never got to talk to him.
I will never forget how Zarindast managed to talk Carly Simon into accepting that small but absolutely crucial cameo role in Werewolf.
(Despite Carly’s fears, it gave her career and confidence a much needed boost, because at that point, no one really cared much who she was talking about in You’re So Vain.)
Having a toast right now with a hair-color changing, Russo-Finnish tracker in his honor. Rest in peace Tony.
Holy crap, Hardcase and Fist stars Ted Prior of Deadly Prey and Aerobicide Fame!
I want to watch every single one of Mr. Zarindast’s films.
I could be wrong, but that seems like it might be the warmest words of praise a director could hear.
The un-riffed version of Werewolf is going to be playing at the Loft here in Tucson next Monday. I shall be there.
Just the title of ‘Hardcase and Fist’ should surely put this movie on the radar of the RiffTrax crew.
If he was the Persian Ed Wood, what does that make Amir Shirvan?
Persian Coleman Francis.
Let’s not forget Jahangir Salehi, aka John S Rad:
http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/11/dangerous-men-john-s-rad
I always thought the night watchman Yuri seduced was native American, whew knew how wrong I was!
RIP Mr. Zarindast, for your work in and directing the wonder that is Werewolf I am in your debt. Maybe the reboot or Rifftrax can do another one of his movies. To do only one movie from the Persian Rd Wood seems remiss somehow.
I salute you Mr. Zarindast. Your films may not have been the highest quality, but you fulfill your dream. Not many can say that. RIP.
:-) :-) :-) :yes: :sweat:
He’s having some champagne (“Yeah, champagne!”) with Coleman Francis, Ray Dennis Steckler, and Charles B. Pierce; celebrating their new friendship and planning their big project together. :yes:
We is all terribly saddened by your passing, Mr. Zarindast, we truly is.
Only now are my eyes opened to the full TZ catalog. I just caught some of “Hardcase and Fist”. The man loved his car chases, that’s for sure!
And happily for us all, his dream was much like the one where you go to school with no pants on.
It takes a special gift to set your sights on “good” filmmaking, and yet miss the mark so drastically that you hit a completely different bullseye. Tony Zarindast had this gift.
RIP Sir.
Enjoyed Guns and the Fury and look forward to seeing Treasure of the lost Desert.