Amir Talai

Amir Talai
Talai in 2025
Born (1977-06-24) June 24, 1977 (age 48)
San Francisco, California, United States
EducationUniversity of California, Berkeley
OccupationActor
Years active2001–present
Spouse
Nina Manni
(m. 2011)​

Amir Talai (born June 24, 1977) is an American film, television, stage, and voice actor. He is best known for portraying Alastor in the Amazon Prime Video adult animated musical series Hazbin Hotel (2024–present). He also voiced Crane in the Nickelodeon animated comedy series Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (2011–2016), and Skidmark in the Netflix animated comedy adventure series Turbo Fast (2013–2016). Talai appeared in numerous television series, including portraying Abdul in the Oxygen sitcom series Campus Ladies (2006–2007), Cyrus in the CBS comedy-drama series The Ex List, and Alan in the Fox sitcom series LA to Vegas (2018). He also portrayed Raza Syed in 2008 comedy film Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, Wendell in the 2011 teen comedy television film Best Player, Patel in 2012 romantic comedy film What to Expect When You're Expecting, Rami in the 2018 crime drama film A Patient Man, and Bill Morley in the 2024 family comedy film The Present. Talai is also a musical theatre performer.

Early life and education

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Amir Talai was born on June 24, 1977, in San Francisco in California, United States, as a child of Persian immigrants from Iran. He grew up in a Muslim family.[1][2] He graduated from the University of California in Berkeley, with a degree in mass communications, with a minor in dramatic arts.[1][3] After graduation, he moved to West Hollywood, California.[2][4][5]

Career

[edit]

Talai is an actor with numerous credits, mostly in episodic roles.[2] He had several recurring roles including as Abdul in the Oxygen sitcom series Campus Ladies (2006–2007), Cyrus in the CBS comedy-drama series The Ex List, and Alan in the Fox sitcom series LA to Vegas (2018).[3][6][7] He also appeared in series such as American Horror Story (2016), Bosch (2016, 2020), The Shrink Next Door (2021), Ghosts (2022), and High Potential (2025).[8][9][10][11] Talai portrayed Raza Syed in 2008 comedy film Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, Wendell in the 2011 teen comedy television film Best Player, Patel in 2012 romantic comedy film What to Expect When You're Expecting, Rami in the 2018 crime drama film A Patient Man, and Bill Morley in the 2024 family comedy film The Present.[2][12][13][14] He also plays Haled in the upcoming 2026 independent romantic comedy film Go-Love-Go.[15][16]

He is best known for portraying Alastor the Radio Demon, one of the main characters in Hazbin Hotel which has aired on Amazon Prime Video since 2024.[17][18][19] His other main roles include Crane in the Nickelodeon animated comedy series Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (2011–2016), and Skidmarks in the Netflix animated comedy adventure series Turbo Fast (2013–2016).[17][20][21] He also voiced numerous episodic and background characters in the adult animated comedy series Family Guy (2005, 2016, 2023–2025) and American Dad! (2008–2014, 2020–2024).[2][17]

Talai also performs in the musical theatre, including portraying Bert Healy in the 2018 rendition of Annie at the Hollywood Bowl, directed by Michael Arden.[17][22] In 2024, he also performed songs of Alastor from Hazbin Hotel at the Majestic Theatre in New York City.[23][24] Additionally, the 2024 electro swing pop song "Stayed Gone", which he performed for Hazbin Hotel together with Christian Borle, was listed on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100, peaking at number eleven.[25][26][27]

Talai was also a board member of the Los Angeles division of the SAG-AFTRA labor union.[9] He also advocates for representation of marginalized artists and performers in media and has written articles related to the matter in publications such as BuzzFeed and Vulture.[28]

Personal life

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Talai has a wife, and lives in West Hollywood in California, United States.[2][5]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2002 Hum Simon Gould Feature film
Plugged In Forreign caller Short film
2003 Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde Associate Feature film [10]
2004 Adventures in Homeschooling Baliotis Short film
The Florist Masood Short film
Homeland Security Babir Alkazar Television film; uncredited [4]
Jihad Mohammad Short film
November George Feature film
One Night Stand Up Mahesh Suresh Short film
2005 Fractalus Lee Short film
2006 Fighting Words Ralph Feature film
More, Patience Hypochondriac Television movie
The Pursuit of Happyness Clerk Feature film [29]
2008 Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay Raza Syed Feature film [2][9]
The Onion Movie Ahman Feature film
2009 Don't Ruin American Healthcare Kevin Short film
Guys and Dolls at the Hollywood Bowl Angie the Ox Short film
Joey Biltmore
2011 Being Bin Laden Omar Short film
Best Player Wendell Television film [2][12]
Johnny Bravo Goes to Bollywood Ahmet Television film; voice
Voodoo Guru
Thug #2
Me, Inc. Kevin Short film
2012 Love, Sex and Missed Connections Ted Feature film
What to Expect When You're Expecting Patel Feature film [14]
2013 Hummingbird Kevin Feature film; uncredited
Inequality for All N/a Documentary film; special thanks
2014 10 Cent Pistol Amir Feature film
Petunia P.I. Rambo Borigald Television film
Ricky Robot Arms Mike Short film
2015 Down Dog Matt Jobrani Short film
Grandma Omid Feature film
The King of 7B Darren Television film [29]
Marvin Mr. Donaldson Short film
2016 Diani & Devine Meet the Apocalypse Fahreed Feature film
How to Survive a Breakup Amir Short film
This is Now Daniel Feature film
2017 The Circle Matt Feature film [30]
Killing Gunther Izzat Feature film
2018 Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot Night shift physician Feature film; uncredited
The First Lady Amir Short film; also screenwriter
Stuck Mo Feature film
2019 Marriage Story Amir Feature film
A Patient Man Rami Feature film [2][16]
Stay Home Dario Short film
2022 The Present Bill Morley Feature film [13]
2026 Go-Love-Go Haled Feature film; upcoming [15]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2001 Absolute Zero Thom Yorke Episode: "Radiohead"
Nash Bridges Khalid Dib Episode: "Fair Game" [2]
2002 Mad TV Indian person Episode no. 175
2003 10-8: Officers on Duty Gang member Episode: "Late for School"
2003–2004 The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Various characters
2004 Jimmy Kimmel Live! Iraqi Simon Cowell Episode aired on March 17, 2004
NCIS Simi Episode: "Reveille" [2]
Nip/Tuck Dr. Hamir Gindi Episode: "Mrs. Grubman"
2005 Gilmore Girls Patel Chandrasekhar 2 episodes
The Comeback Greg Narayan 2 episodes
Curb Your Enthusiasm Waiter Episode: "The Bowtie"
Cold Case Malvinder Khatani (1999, 2005) Episode: "Start-Up"
Love, Inc. Patrick 2 episodes
Family Guy Hindu person Voice; episode: "The Father, the Son, and the Holy Fonz"
Priest
2006 The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman Kai Episode: "Turning Manure Into Soy"
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip Fred 2 episode
Hannah Montana Sanjay Episode: "Debt It Be"
2006–2007 Campus Ladies Abdul 20 episodes [2][3]
2007 The Winner Richard 5 episodes
2008 American Dad! The Snake Voice; episode: "Phantom of the Telethon"
The Ex List Cyrus 13 episodes [6]
Hollywood Residential IRS agent Tom Scully Voice; episode: "Where's Tom?"; uncredited
2009 American Dad! Sanjay Bhudapar Voice; episode: "Jack's Back"
Achmed Voice; episode: "Wife Insurance"
Crowd member
How I Met Your Mother Richard Greenleaf Episode: "As Fast as She Can"
Wizards of Waverly Place Alien Episode: "Wizard for a Day"
2010 American Dad! Trace Voice; episode: "Son of Stan"
John Leguizamo
Myeeah
Zeke and Luther Dex Bratner Episode: "A Very Hairy Problem"
Modern Family Dale Episode: "Halloween"
Svetlana Farhad Golastani Episode: "Ointment"
2011 American Dad! Michael Voice; episode: "The Worst Stan"
Ross's employee
Ricky Martin
Fanboy & Chum Chum Brizwald Harmounian Voice; episode: "Risky Brizness"
I'm in the Band Avi Patel Episode: "Iron Weasel: The Video Game"
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness Male goose Voice; episode: "Bad Po"
The Paul Reiser Show Amir Episode: "The Old Guy"
Love Bites Aram Episode: "Boys to Men"
2011–2016 Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness Crane Main role; voice; 61 episodes [17][21]
2012 American Dad! Additional voices Voice; episode: "Adventures in Hayleysitting"
Castle Sam Spear Episode: "Swan Song"
Guys with Kids Gabe Episode: "Thanksgiving"
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness Rickshaw driver Voice; episode: "The Most Dangerous Po"
Pig boy Voice; episode: "Enter the Dragon"
Goose #1
Partners Buck 2 episodes
Touch Sami Episode: "Entanglement"
2013 2 Broke Girls Amir Episode: "And the Psychic Shakedown"
A-Holes Anonymous Pete Webseries; episode: "Fearless and Moral Sexual Inventory"
American Dad! Scientist Voice; episode: "Da Flippity Flop"
Coogan Auto VIP Webseries; 5 episodes [2]
Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 Mitchell Episode: "Mean Girls…"
Devious Maids Jace Episode: "Pilot"; uncredited
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness Fake Tai Lung Voice; episode: "The Maltese Mantis"
Child villager Voice; episode: "The Midnight Stranger"
Villager Voice; episode: "Qilin Time"
Goat villager Voice; episode: "Mind Over Manners"
Goat child Voice; episode: "Serpent's Tooth"
Major Crimes Geoff Klein Episode: "All In"
Turbo Fast Beetle minion #1 Voice; episode: "Crazy Fast"
The Stinkers cricket Voice; episode: "Dungball Derby"
Starlight Plaza snail Voice; episode: "Bumperdome"
Fire ants Voice; episode: "Ants Ants Revolution"
When the Bomb Drops Bill
2013–2016 Turbo Fast Skidmark Main role; voice; 51 episodes [2][20]
Tito Lopez Recurring role; voice; 17 episodes
2014 About a Boy Orlando Episode: "About a Birthday Party"
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Schneider Episode: "Hen in the Wolf House"
American Dad! Paramedic Voice; episode: "Buck, Wild"
Josh Voice; episode: "Big Stan on Campus"
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness Male villager Voice; episode: "The Goosefather"
Goat Voice; episode: "Croc You Like a Hurricane"
Villager #2
What's Next for Sarah? Jason Webseries; 2 episodes
Turbo Fast Angry snail Voice; episode: "Tale of Two Turbos"
Tour guide Voice; episode: "Hardcase Returns"
Tomato-covered snail Voice; episode: "Breakneck's Back"
2015 20 Seconds to Live Man Episode: "Evil Doll"
Bones Hamid Vaziri Episode: "The Murder in the Middle East" [2]
Love Handles Amir Episode: "Put Your Tail Down"
2016 American Horror Story Mitch Episode: "Be Our Guest" [8]
Family Guy Indian child Voice; episode: "Road to India"
Indian man
Fresh Off the Boat Frank Episode: "Hi, My Name Is…"
History of the World... For Now Financial reporter Episode: "All About the Benjamins"
Pardoner Episode: "Staying Alive"
Turbo Fast Spencer 2 episodes
Librarian snail Voice; episode: "The Story of J.J.E.F.F."
Sam Voice; episode: "Turbo Does Laundry: Part 2"
Harkentrousers
Crazylegs O'Bernstein
World Changers Himself (segment host) Talkshow
2016, 2020 Bosch John Klein 3 episodes [9][10]
2017 I'm Sorry Maz Episode: "Ass Cubes"
See Ya Rami Episode: "Family Yard Sale"
Scorpion Vadat Episode: "Sci Hard"
2018 Adam Ruins Everything Himself (guest) 3 episodes
Here and Now Maz Nuri Episode: "Wake"
LA to Vegas Alan Recurring role; 13 episodes [7]
The News Tank Ashir July Episode: "Rogue Rental Goats & Cookie Sized Nuggets!"
Noches con Platanito Himself (guest) Talkshow; episode: "Amir Talai/Olivia Macklin/Alejandra Said/Salvador Espada/Los Rodriguez de Sinaloa"
2019 Amphibia Additional voices Voice; 2 episodes
The Lion Guard Tupp Voice; episode: "Journey of Memories"
People Just Do Nothing Farouk Episode: "Pilot"; not released [31][32]
Prince of Peoria Professor Limpus Episode: "Teddy the Human Cannonball"
2020 American Dad! Trophy store customer Voice; episode: "Trophy Wife, Trophy Life"
Bridge to Broadway Himself (guest) Talkwhow; episode: "Amir Talai"
Into the Dark Amir Episode: "Pooka Lives!"
Outmatched Cedric Episode: "Black Mold"
Science Praid Stevie Christopher Voice; 2 episodes
Where's Waldo? Ajay Voice; episode: "Mumbai Dance Party"
Guy Voice; episode: "Uh-Oh, Canada"
2021 American Dad! Employee Voice; episode: "Dancin' A-With My Cell"
Puppy Place Maz Episode: "Pugsley"
The Shrink Next Door Joe 3 episodes [10]
2021–2022 The Rigmarole Improvisor 4 episodes; also screenwriter
2022 American Dad! Cultist Voice; episode: "The Curious Case of the Old Hole"
Truck packer
Ghosts Director Daniel Episode: "Dumb Deaths" [8]
Tuca & Bertie Additional voices 2 episodes [33]
We Baby Bears Brad Voice; episode: "Baba Yaga House"
Chad
Snake attendant Voice; episode: "Big Trouble Little Babies"
Vampire attendant
2023 American Dad! Additional voices Voice; episode: "The Pleasanting at Smith House"
Colby Voice; episode: "A Little Mystery"
Scotty Voice; episode: "A Little Extra Scratch"
Hailey's On It! Uncle Naveed Voice; episode: "Splatter of the Bands" [34]
Terry Kline Voice; episode: "Lady and the Trampoline"
Family Guy Nerd Voice; spisode: "White Meg Can't Jump"
Additional voices Voice; episode: "Snap(ple) Decision"
My Dad the Bounty Hunter EHC booking officer Voice; episode: "Jailbreak"
Boarfish boy Voice; episode: "Ocanom Grind"
Robot dealer
Snooty cashier
2024 American Dad! Additional voices Voice; episode: "Idiot Rich"
Hailey's On It Vice Principal Bacon Voice; episode: "Student of the Weak"
Meet the Biz Himself (guest) Talkshow; episode: "Amir Talai – 'Luck'"
Sausage Party: Foodtopia Background voices Voice; 8 episodes
2024–present Hazbin Hotel Alastor the Radio Demon Main role; voice; 12 episodes [18][19]
Tom Trench Recurring role; voice; 5 episodes [35]
2025 Family Guy Illusionist Voice; episode: "The Chicken or the Meg"
Additional voices Voice; episode: "Row v. Wade"
High Potential Mark Wilson Episode: "Chutes and Murders" [11]
Krapopolis Timon Voice; episode: "Don Tyxote"
Additional voices Voice; episode: "Nike (The Goddness)"
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Alistair Goodspeed Episode: "Potions Eleven"

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2001 The Sims: Hot Date Sims Voice
2006 Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers Additional voices Voice
Titan Quest Additional voices Voice
Company of Heroes Additional voices Voice
Splinter Cell: Double Agent Additional characters Voice
The Sopranos: Road to Respect Additional voices Voice
2007 Titan Quest: Immortal Throne Additional voices Voice
2011 Assassin's Creed: Revelations Bodyguard serving with Abbas Voice
Abbas's captain Voice
Masyaf Assassins Voice
Kung Fu Panda 2 Crane Voice
2012 Assassin's Creed III: Liberation Additional voices Voice
2014 Far Cry 4 Additional voices Voice
2015 Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends Crane Voice
Kung Fu Panda: Tales of Po Crane Voice

Theatre credits

[edit]
Year Title Role Theatre Director Ref.
2018 Annie Bert Healy Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles Michael Arden [17][22]
2024 Hazbin Hotel: Live on Broadway Alastor the Radio Demon Majestic Theatre, New York City Vivienne Medrano [23][24]

References

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  1. ^ a b Emily Wilson (July 26, 2017). "The Role of Race in Race Roles: Amir Talai in An Octoroon".
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Iman Sadri (September 4, 2018). "Q+A with Amir Talai : The Most Prolific Iranian American Actor of His Generation". persianobserver.com.
  3. ^ a b c Hope Mullinax (Aug 27, 2024). "Hazbin Hotel's Amir Talai on Barriers Faced in Hollywood". collider.com.
  4. ^ a b Amir Talai (September 13, 2018). "17 Years After 9/11, I'm Still a Terrorist in Hollywood's Eyes". vulture.com.
  5. ^ a b Collier Meyerson (24 January 2017). "An interview with the guy behind one of the most controversial signs from the Women's March". fusion.net. Archived from the original on 28 January 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
  6. ^ a b Phil Gallo (September 26, 2008). "The Ex List". variety.com.
  7. ^ a b Danielle Turchiano (March 21, 2018). "'LA To Vegas' Canceled by Fox After One Season". variety.com.
  8. ^ a b c Erick Massoto (Aug 15, 2024). "This 'Hazbin Hotel' Star Auditioned To Play One of Your Favorite 'Ghosts'". collider.com.
  9. ^ a b c d David Robb (January 14, 2021). "Amir Talai Hosts Forum On Challenges Facing Actors During Pandemic". deadline.com.
  10. ^ a b c d Cynthia Vinney (November 16, 2025). "What The Cast Of Hazbin Hotel Looks Like In Real Life". looper.com.
  11. ^ a b Denis Kimathi (January 15, 2025). "The Playground Is Too Hot To Handle in New 'High Potential' Sneak Peek". collider.com.
  12. ^ a b "iCarly Duo Jerry Trainor and Jennette McCurdy Star as Brilliant Gamers Set to Compete in the Ultimate Virtual Showdown in Nickelodeon Original TV Movie Best Player, Premiering Saturday, March 12, at 8 P.M. (ET/PT)". prnewswire.com. February 23, 2011.
  13. ^ a b Alex Billington (April 12, 2024). "Isla Fisher & Greg Kinnear in Time Travel Comedy 'The Present' Trailer". firstshowing.net.
  14. ^ a b Natalie Finn (May 18, 2022). "We're Showering You With Secrets About What to Expect When You're Expecting". eonline.com.
  15. ^ a b JD Knapp (October 28, 2025). "'Go-Love-Go' Rounds Out Indie Rom-Com Cast With Katie Lowes and 'Call Me Kat' Stars". thewrap.com.
  16. ^ a b Rose Dymock (February 17, 2020). "THE PATIENT MAN: 'Strangers On A Tram' & The Art Of Revenge". filminquiry.com.
  17. ^ a b c d e f Ben Morris (June 19, 2024). "Voice Actor Amir Talai On Bringing the Demonic Alastor To Life in 'Hazbin Hotel'". awardsdaily.com.
  18. ^ a b Abbey White (October 14, 2023). "Stephanie Beatriz, Keith David, Alex Brightman Lead 'Hazbin Hotel' Voice Cast". hollywoodreporter.com.
  19. ^ a b Michaela Zee (October 14, 2023). "Stephanie Beatriz, Keith David, Kimiko Glenn Among Prime Video's 'Hazbin Hotel' Voice Cast". variety.com.
  20. ^ a b Robert Lloyd (December 23, 2013). "TV review: 'Turbo: F.A.S.T.' breaks out of its shell on Netflix". latimes.com.
  21. ^ a b Chris Arrant (25 October 2011). "'Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness' To Premiere November 7". cartoonbrew.com.
  22. ^ a b Andrew Gans (July 27, 2018). "Hollywood Bowl Annie, With Ana Gasteyer, David Alan Grier, and Megan Hilty, Begins July 27". playbill.com.
  23. ^ a b Jenna Wrenn (November 17, 2025). "Hazbin Hotel Star Breaks Down New Broadway Special As It Hits Prime: 'Kind of Magical' [Exclusive]". comicbook.com.
  24. ^ a b Meg Masseron (November 17, 2025). "Hazbin Hotel: Live on Broadway Streams on Amazon Prime Beginning November 17". playbill.com.
  25. ^ McIntyre, Hugh (19 February 2024). "Is Hazbin Hotel Headed For The Hot 100?". Forbes. New York City. Archived from the original on 20 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  26. ^ "Bubbling Under Hot 100: Week of February 17, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  27. ^ Hansen, Charlotte (9 February 2024). "Hazbin Hotel Season 1's 16 Songs, Ranked From Worst To Best". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  28. ^ Caroline Cao (November 19, 2025). "Amir Talai cried several times at his 'Hazbin Hotel' Broadway debut". joysauce.com.
  29. ^ a b Beverley Lyons (March 15, 2015). "Late Late Show's Craig Ferguson begins work on new comedy pilot for US television". dailyrecord.com.
  30. ^ Maeve McDermott (January 25, 2025). "'The Circle' stars remember Bill Paxton as 'an incredible craftsman'". eu.usatoday.com.
  31. ^ Nellie Andreeva; Denise Petski (November 29, 2018). "Jorge Diaz & Eliza Bennett Among Five Cast In Mehar Sethi Amazon Pilot Based On UK Comedy 'People Just Do Nothing'". deadline.com.
  32. ^ Peter White (January 14, 2020). "'People Just Do Nothing': U.S. Remake Not Going Forward At Amazon". deadline.com.
  33. ^ Raven Brunner (January 18, 2024). "'Hazbin Hotel' Cast Guide: Who Voices Adam, Vaggie, and More in the New Prime Video Show?". decider.com.
  34. ^ Laura Sirikul (January 8, 2023). "'Hailey's On It!' Exclusive Clip: Sing a Sea Shanty!". thenerdsofcolor.com.
  35. ^ Ray Flook (August 30, 2025). "Hazbin Hotel Shares "Hell's Greatest Dad" & "Loser, Baby" Sing-Alongs". bleedingcool.com.
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