Manoush
Manoush, born in 1972 or 1973 as Manoush Barandaj in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, is a talented actress and singer with a diverse cultural background. She is the youngest of three children born to a mother of French Manouche Sinti and Ashkali heritage and a German-American father. Her upbringing spanned several countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland. At 18, she began her modeling career, but a car accident at age 20 led to significant injuries, prompting her to shift her focus.
In 1997, Manoush embarked on her film career, gaining notable recognition in 2000 for her provocative role in Jean-Pierre Jeunet's acclaimed film, Amélie. This role catapulted her into the spotlight and established her reputation as a compelling "bad girl" in the industry. Known for her strong performances in action and horror genres, she has appeared in a variety of films, including Angel of Death 2 (2004), The Legend of Moonlight Mountain (2005), Cannibal (2006), and Philosophy of a Knife (2008). In 2011, her portrayal of Olga in The Super earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the PollyGrind Film Festival in Las Vegas.
In addition to her acting endeavors, Manoush is also a skilled singer. She initially gained experience as a cyberpunk vocalist and later collaborated with her husband, Chris Vazquez, in the band Cyanide Savior. Notably, she recorded tracks with the 1980s UK band Bronski Beat and producer Man Parrish in 2016 and 2017, showcasing her versatility as an artist.