Raz Degan is a multifaceted Israeli talent, recognized as an actor, director, and cinematographer. Born in Sde Nehemia, Israel, to Ilan and Adina Degan, he grew up in a Kibbutz with two brothers who have also ventured abroad. After completing three years of service in the Israeli Army, he transitioned into modeling at the age of 21, which led to extensive travel and exposure to international markets. Between 2014 and 2016, Degan showcased his artistic side with exhibitions in Italy, Israel, and Indonesia.
His modeling career was launched in New York City, paving the way for his entry into the film industry. By the mid-1990s, he had established himself in Italy, featuring in numerous commercials and taking on roles in television and film. A notable appearance came in 1994 with a cameo in Robert Altman's film, Prêt-à-Porter. Degan gained further prominence by portraying Darius III in Oliver Stone's epic, Alexander (2004). He starred in Ermanno Olmi's One Hundred Nails, which premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, and continued to build his filmography with diverse roles in Italian cinema, including 2009's Barbarossa.
In 2010, he featured in the French film Forces spéciales alongside Diane Kruger, and later that year, he hosted the Italian series "Mistero," producing several documentaries. His cinematographic work on The Green Prince (2013) earned him accolades, including the Audience Award for World Cinema – Documentary at Sundance. Degan made his directorial debut in 2016 with The Last Shaman, an international documentary executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, released in 2017.
