A leading actress of film, theater and TV in the former Yugoslavia, Mira Furlan emigrated to the US at outbreak of the war for political reasons. In her native country she starred in over 40 movies, including the Cannes Golden Palm winner “When Father Was Away On Business”, directed by E. Kusturica. She received all the highest honors for her work in film (two Golden Arenas – Yugoslav Oscars – for “Cyclops” and “Beauty of Sin”), as well as for her work in theatre.
She was a member of the Croatian National Theater (favorite roles include Natalya in Turgenev’s “A Month in the Country”, Judith in Shaw’s “Devil’s Disciple” and Celimene in Moliere’s “Misantrope”). She also performed in other theaters across the country (Ophelia in “Hamlet” at the International Theater Festival in Dubrovnik, “Isabelle” in Corneille’s “Theatrical Illusions” at the Yugoslav Drama Theater in Belgrade).
In the US Mira is best known for her work as Ambassador Delenn in the cult science fiction TV show “Babylon 5” (Sci-Fi Universe award for best supporting role in science fiction) and as Danielle Rousseau on the hit TV show “Lost”. She also performed on stage (Yerma in Lorca’s “Yerma”, the title role in “Antigone” – Dramalogue award for best performance, Tanya in Lipkin’s “Cranes”, directed by Scott Eliott in New York).
After 10 years Mira returned to her native Croatia, playing the title role in “Medea”. She also starred in the Oscar winner Danis Tanovic’s movie “Circus Columbia”, as well as in other European movies, such as “The Tour”, directed by G. Markovic, and the international omnibus film “Don’t Forget Me Istanbul”. Mira sang on 3 albums (“Mira Furlan & D. Slamnig’s Orchestra”, “Songs From Movies That Haven’t Been Made” and “Be Five”). She recently published a book of essays (“The Closing Sale”) and her play “Till Death Do Us Part” was produced in Belgrade, directed by the acclaimed European actor Miki Manojlovic.
