Yuval Segal

Israeli actor Yuval Segal was a popular presence on television comedies in his native country, including his own creation, the popular "Taxi Driver" (Yes Comedy, 2010-2012), as well as more dramatic fare like the suspenseful "Fauda" (Yes Oh/Netflix, 2015-). Born in the Israeli city of Afula, he initially pursued mechanics as his chosen profession, but did not complete his education, and shifted his attention to fencing. Though highly ranked in the sport, he abandoned the pursuit in favor of work as a model and then actor in television comedies and features. In 2003, he transitioned successfully into dramatic fare with "Matana MiShamayim," about the close-knit residents of a small Israeli neighborhood who become involved in a jewel theft. The film netted 11 Ophir Award nominations - the Israeli equivalent of the Academy Award - including one for Segal as Best Actor. He soon returned to television comedy as his primary showcase, but again stepped into the spotlight inn 2010 as the creator and star of "Taxi Driver" (Yes Comedy, 2010-12), a comedy-drama about five lifelong friends who work at a taxi company. A critical and ratings success, "Taxi Driver" ran for two seasons, and led to steady work in guest and character roles on other Israeli series, including the drama "Yellow Peppers" (Channel 2, 2010-14), about a rural family raising an autistic child, and the military drama "Fauda," which cast him as the former leader of a military unit reunited to pursue a terrorist. In 2018, Segal starred in three Israel features, including the crime comedy "Holiday" and "Golden State," about Israeli immigrants finding their way in the United States.