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Inbar Lavi
Inbar Lavi
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Inbar Lavi (Hebrew: ענבר לביא; born October 27, 1986[3]) is an Israeli actress. She is known for portraying Raviva on the 2012 MTV series Underemployed, Vee on the 2014 Fox television series Gang Related, and Sheba on the Fox series Prison Break. Lavi starred in the 2017–2018 Bravo television series Imposters, and played Eve in the final three seasons of the Netflix series Lucifer. She also appeared in The Last Ship on TNT.

Key Information

Early life

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Lavi was born and raised in Ramat Gan, Israel[3] to a Jewish family from Holon.[4] Lavi's mother has Moroccan origins while her father is of Polish and Bosnian descent.[4] As a child, she suffered from asthma[5] and had to use a nebulizer for 45 minutes at a time. During that time, she watched movies, and "fell in love with cinema". One of her early inspirations was the performance of Israeli-American actress Natalie Portman in Léon: The Professional.[6] Another of her role models was Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer.[7]

Lavi studied ballet and modern dance at the Kiryat Sharet high school in Holon, Israel. She then studied acting at the Sophie Moskowitz School of Acting in Tel Aviv, Israel.[8]

Career

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Lavi in 2013

In 2004, at the age of 17, Lavi moved to New York City, where she performed in various off-Broadway productions. After eight months, she moved to Los Angeles,[6] after being accepted with a full scholarship to the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.[9] Among her earliest English-speaking roles was Cordelia in a 2006 production of King Lear, starring and directed by Tom Badal.[8]

Starting in 2009, Lavi began making guest appearances on television shows including Entourage, The Closer, Ghost Whisperer, Criminal Minds, CSI: Miami and In Plain Sight.[8] She has also appeared in films including Tales of an Ancient Empire (2010), Street Kings 2: Motor City (2011) and House of Dust (2013).

Lavi starred in the 2012 MTV television series Underemployed as Raviva, a pregnant, aspiring singer.[10] She portrayed Veronica "Vee" Dotsen in the 2014 Fox television series Gang Related.[11] She appeared in the seventh season of Sons of Anarchy as street prostitute Winsome.

In 2015 Lavi was cast in the lead role in the Bravo television series Imposters (originally titled My So Called Wife), playing "a Machiavellian con-artist and master of disguise";[12][13] the series premiered in February 2017.[14] She was cast in the recurring role of Ravit Bivas, a highly trained Israeli soldier, on the second season of the TNT naval drama The Last Ship in summer 2015.[15] In 2016 Lavi joined the Prison Break revival in the role of Sheba, a Yemeni activist.[16][17] She joined the cast of Lucifer for the series' fourth season, playing Eve, the first woman made and mother to Cain and Abel.[18][19]

In 2023, Inbar joined the fourth season of the Israeli TV show "Fauda" as Shani Russo.

Personal life

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Lavi was in a relationship with Christoph Sanders that later ended. She married Dan Bar Shira, in Israel in August 2021. They reside in Los Angeles.[1]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
2010 Abelar: Tales of an Ancient Empire Alana
2011 Street Kings 2: Motor City Leilah Sullivan Direct-to-video film
2011 Getting That Girl Jenna Jeffries
2011 Underground Lillith Trog
2012 For the Love of Money Talia
2013 House of Dust Emma
2015 The Last Witch Hunter Sonia
2018 Sorry for Your Loss Lori
2024 The Manifestation Roni/Vronika
2024 Bau: Artist at War Rebecca Bau
2025 Black Diamond Elena [20]

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2008 Privileged Fiona Episode: "All about Honesty"
2009 The Closer Vanessa Almassian Episode: "Maternal Instincts"
2009 Entourage Sadie Episode: "Security Briefs"
2009 Ghost Whisperer Brianna Episode: "See No Evil"
2009 Criminal Minds Gina King Episode: "The Performer"
2009 Crash Sydney Episode: "Master of Puppets"
2010 CSI: Miami Maya Farooq Episode: "Dishonor"
2010 In Plain Sight Flora Montero Episode: "A Priest Walks into a Bar"
2011 Charlie's Angels Dominique Berry Episode: "Royal Angels"
2012 Immigrants Miri Yechiel Television film
2012 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Chastity/Heather Tile Episode: "Strip Maul"
2012–2013 Underemployed Raviva Main role
2014 Gang Related Veronica "Vee" Dotsen Main role
2014 Sons of Anarchy Winsome Episodes: "Greensleeves", "Faith and Despondency"
2015 Castle Farrah Darwaza Episode: "In Plane Sight"
2015 The Last Ship Lt. Ravit Bivas Recurring role (season 2), 6 episodes
2017–2018 Imposters Maddie Lead role
2017 Prison Break Sheba Main role (season 5)
2019–2021 Lucifer Eve Main role (season 4);[18][19] recurring role (seasons 5–6)
2020 Stumptown Max Episodes: "The Past and the Furious", "Dirty Dexy Money", “The Dex Factor”
2021 Eight Gifts of Hanukkah Sarah Television film
2022 Fauda Shani Russo Main role (season 4)[21]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Inbar Lavi is an Israeli-American actress born on October 27, 1986, in , . Raised in a Jewish family, she faced health challenges including severe during childhood, which limited her early activities but inspired her interest in . At age 17, Lavi moved to the to pursue modeling before transitioning to , studying at institutions such as the Sofi Moskowitz School of Acting in , the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York, and the Kiryat Sharet High School of the Arts in for and . Lavi's acting career gained momentum in the early 2010s with guest appearances on shows like The Closer, Entourage, Criminal Minds, and CSI: Miami. Her breakthrough came in 2012 with the role of aspiring singer Raviva on MTV's Underemployed, for which she learned guitar and vocals specifically for the part. She followed this with the lead role of undercover cop Vee in Fox's Gang Related (2014) and a recurring role as Sheba in the 2017 revival of Prison Break. Lavi earned critical acclaim for portraying con artist Ava/Maddie in Bravo's dark comedy Imposters (2017–2018), winning a 2018 WIN Award for Actress in a Drama Series. In recent years, Lavi has starred as , the biblical first woman, in Netflix's (2019–2021), appearing opposite Tom Ellis and contributing to the series' global popularity. She made her return to Israeli television in 2023 as Shani Russo, a resilient soldier, in the fourth season of Netflix's , marking her first major role in a homegrown production after years of auditioning for Israeli projects. In April 2025, Lavi signed with for representation across all areas, amid ongoing discussions for her potential return in 's fifth season and her role in the 2025 drama Bau: Artist at War. Beyond acting, she is also a singer, including her 2025 single 'Polaroids' with Benji Lewis, and philanthropist, advocating for causes related to her heritage and health experiences.

Early life and education

Upbringing in Israel

Inbar Lavi was born on October 27, 1986, in , , to a Jewish family of mixed heritage. Her father is of Polish Jewish descent, while her mother has Moroccan Jewish roots, allowing Lavi to grow up immersed in both Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions within a culturally rich household. Raised primarily in , a city near , she experienced a family-oriented environment despite her parents' , which shaped her strong connection to her Israeli identity and values of freedom and community. From an early age, Lavi developed a passion for the , beginning with and training at a professional academy in . She attended the Kiryat Sharet School of Arts in , where her rigorous studies instilled a disciplined and honed her physical expressiveness, though they also led to knee injuries that impacted her later choices. She also attended the Sofi Moskowitz School of Acting in , where she took her initial classes. This early immersion in dance provided her initial exposure to performance, complemented by acting training that sparked further interest in theater and storytelling. Lavi's pre-relocation life in was marked by personal challenges, including childhood and dance-related knee injuries that exempted her from mandatory —a common expectation for Israeli of her age. These issues, while limiting at the time, influenced her decision to pursue opportunities abroad at age 17, marking a pivotal shift from her formative years in a vibrant, tradition-bound Jewish community.

Training in the United States

At the age of 17 in 2004, Inbar Lavi relocated from to to pursue modeling and acting. During her initial eight months there, she immersed herself in the theater scene, performing in various productions that provided foundational stage experience and helped build her performance skills. These early theater engagements, including guest appearances in productions, allowed her to develop confidence in front of live audiences while navigating the competitive New York acting environment. As an immigrant, Lavi faced substantial adaptation challenges, including financial hardships, the harsh winter cold, food scarcity, and the need to refine her proficiency for auditions and rehearsals. She also grappled with cultural adjustments, such as feeling like she was "playing a role" in interactions with , which contrasted with her comfort among Israeli expatriates, prompting her to maintain Hebrew at home and celebrate Israeli holidays to preserve her roots. After these experiences, Lavi moved to , where she secured a full to the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Institute. At the institute, she intensively studied and honed techniques, focusing on emotional depth and character immersion to prepare for professional opportunities. Her earlier ballet training in complemented this education by enhancing her physicality and discipline in expressive roles.

Acting career

Early roles and breakthrough

Lavi began her on-screen career with guest appearances on several American television series in the late 2000s. Her debut came in 2008 with a role as Fiona on the short-lived WB series Privileged. In 2009, she appeared as Sadie in the Entourage episode "Security Briefs," portraying a security consultant. That same year, she guest-starred as Vanessa Almassian on The Closer, Brianna on Ghost Whisperer, and Kate on Criminal Minds. Her role as Maya Farooq, a key witness in a murder investigation, on CSI: Miami followed in 2010. Prior to these television spots, Lavi built her resume through stage work after relocating to in 2004 at age 17. She performed in various productions, honing her craft following her training at the Sofi Moskowitz School. Lavi transitioned to with supporting roles in the fantasy adventure Tales of an Ancient Empire (2010), where she played Alana, a warrior princess. In 2011, she appeared as Leilah Sullivan, a seductive , in the direct-to-video action thriller Street Kings 2: Motor City. Her breakthrough arrived with the dramedy Underemployed (2012–2013), in which she portrayed Raviva, a pregnant aspiring singer navigating post-college life; this marked her first series regular role and led to 12 episodes.

Major television roles

Lavi's television career gained momentum in 2014 with her portrayal of Veronica "Vee" Dotsen, a resilient DEA agent, in the drama Gang Related, where she navigated complex alliances in a multi-ethnic . That same year, she made a as Winsome, a street-smart prostitute, in the seventh season of FX's , adding depth to the show's gritty underworld dynamics. In 2015, Lavi took on the recurring role of Lieutenant Ravit Bivas, a skilled intelligence officer and diver, in the second season of TNT's post-apocalyptic series The Last Ship, contributing to the narrative of global survival efforts. Her performance in the 2017 revival of Fox's as , a resourceful Yemeni activist aiding the protagonists' escape, marked a significant step in her rising profile within ensemble action thrillers. Lavi achieved a breakthrough as the lead character Maddie Jonson, a charismatic weaving intricate deceptions, in Bravo's Imposters from 2017 to 2018, earning critical praise for her nuanced depiction of moral ambiguity and earning the Actress Drama Series award at the 2018 Women's Image Network Awards. The series itself garnered acclaim for its sharp writing and pacing, with reviewers highlighting Lavi's ability to balance charm and menace, boosting her visibility in dramatic leads. From 2019 to 2021, she portrayed , the biblical first woman seeking adventure after millennia of ennui, across seasons 4 through 6 of Netflix's , infusing the supernatural procedural with humor and vulnerability that resonated with audiences. In 2023, Lavi returned to her Israeli roots as Russo, a determined operative, in the fourth season of Netflix's , enhancing the series' international draw through her authentic portrayal amid its exploration of conflicts.

Film roles

Inbar Lavi began her film career with supporting roles in independent horror and thriller projects, marking her entry into cinematic storytelling. In 2013, she portrayed Emma in House of Dust, a directed by A.D. Calvo, where her character is part of a group of medical students who unwittingly unleash malevolent spirits from an abandoned asylum. This role highlighted Lavi's ability to convey vulnerability amid escalating tension, contributing to the film's exploration of guilt and the supernatural consequences of disturbing the past. Two years later, Lavi took on the supporting role of Sonia in , an action-fantasy directed by , starring as an immortal warrior combating a witch plague. Her performance as the enigmatic ally added depth to the film's mythological world-building, blending high-stakes combat with themes of eternal duty and redemption. Building on her television prominence, Lavi's film work has since diversified into psychological thrillers and historical narratives, expanding her international profile. In 2024, she starred in dual roles as Roni and Vronika in The Manifestation, a psychological thriller directed by Geert Heetebrij, centering on a desperate day trader who experiments with manifestation techniques, leading to hallucinatory and destructive outcomes. Lavi's nuanced portrayal of the fractured protagonist's wife and alter ego underscored the film's critique of self-help delusions and moral erosion. In 2025, she appeared as Rebecca in Bau: Artist at War, a biographical historical drama directed by Sean McNamara, depicting the true story of Holocaust forger Joseph Bau (played by Emile Hirsch) who uses art and humor to survive Nazi persecution. Her role as Bau's enduring love interest emphasized resilience and human connection amid wartime horror, aligning with the film's themes of creativity as defiance. Lavi's 2025 release, Black Diamond, further showcases her range in genre-driven cinema, where she plays Elena, a woman whose secluded life with her partner unravels into a deadly triangle of obsession and upon encountering a local . Directed by Judd Bloch, the thriller's intimate setting amplifies Lavi's portrayal of escalating and betrayal. Across these projects, Lavi's film roles often explore action-fantasy elements, as in , and historical dramas like Bau: Artist at War, providing narrative contrasts to her television work while broadening her exposure through diverse genres and global themes. Her television success has notably paved the way for these larger cinematic opportunities, allowing her to tackle complex characters in international productions.

Other pursuits

Music career

Inbar Lavi entered the music industry as a singer-songwriter with her debut single "Puppet Master," released on June 25, 2021, which she co-wrote and co-produced with JT Roach. The track, characterized by its smooth pop sound and themes of relational frustration and empowerment, drew from Lavi's personal experiences, marking her transition from acting to music amid the creative opportunities spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her established presence in television provided a platform to introduce her musical work to a broader audience. Following the debut, Lavi collaborated with Australian artist Benji Lewis on the single "Polaroid," released on July 21, , which blended upbeat pop melodies with introspective storytelling about fleeting memories and connections formed during isolation. The song originated from virtual songwriting sessions via Zoom with Lewis and co-writers Rynn and Julian Feifel, highlighting pandemic-driven remote collaborations that fostered her pop style infused with vulnerable, narrative-driven lyrics. In January 2022, a of "Puppet Master" by Omer Erlichman was released, extending the original's reach with an electronic-infused production that maintained its core themes of personal agency. Throughout her releases, Lavi's music consistently merges accessible pop structures with autobiographical , emphasizing resilience and self-expression as key motivations.

Fashion and entrepreneurship

Inbar Lavi founded the clothing brand House of Lavi in 2021 amid the , creating a line of comfortable, versatile garments designed for everyday wear. The brand draws inspiration from the sun-bleached sands, salty waters, and breezy palms of and , blending Israeli and Californian aesthetics into its collections. As the , Lavi has guided House of Lavi with a mission centered on "gentle contrasts" through the use of soft, adaptable fabrics that evoke warmth and inclusivity. Initially, all proceeds from the brand supported female-owned businesses severely affected by the , reflecting Lavi's commitment to community resilience during challenging times. By 2025, House of Lavi had emerged as a significant success in the fashion industry, featuring ad campaigns and the full launch of its e-commerce website to expand accessibility. In addition to her entrepreneurial efforts with House of Lavi, Lavi served as the global for Saphira haircare starting in 2023, promoting the line's products formulated with minerals from the Dead Sea.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Inbar Lavi met Dan Bar Shira at the Burning Man festival in August 2019, marking the beginning of their relationship in the late . The couple married on September 13, 2021, in a bohemian beachside ceremony at Al Hayam in , their native country, attended by close family and friends including Lavi's "" co-stars. The wedding incorporated Jewish cultural elements, such as walking down the aisle to traditional Israeli music and using the in the ceremony to honor their heritage. Following their marriage, Lavi and Bar Shira settled in , where Lavi continued her acting career while maintaining strong ties to through family visits during holidays. This relocation decision allowed Lavi to balance her professional commitments in Hollywood with their growing family life in the city, though she has described as her emotional home base. In early 2025, Lavi announced her pregnancy with their first child, and the couple enjoyed a babymoon in the near Palm Springs before the birth. On June 28, 2025, they welcomed a daughter named Ariel Lavi Bar Shira, weighing 5 pounds and 11 ounces, into their family in . Lavi has expressed joy in embracing motherhood while navigating her career, with the family incorporating Jewish traditions from her upbringing into their daily practices.

Philanthropy and advocacy

Inbar Lavi has been actively engaged in philanthropy, serving as an ambassador for The Children's Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation to support children's health initiatives and grant wishes to those with critical illnesses. She also volunteers at Our Big Kitchen , where she helps prepare and distribute meals to homeless individuals and underserved communities. Lavi participated in the 2013 Cinco de Mayo Charity Celebrity Poker Tournament at Velvet Margarita Challenge in , joining other celebrities to raise funds for charitable causes through competitive events. Through her fashion brand House of Lavi, Lavi directs a portion of proceeds to the less fortunate, a commitment she has maintained since its launch. During the , she initially donated all proceeds from the LAVI line to female-owned businesses severely impacted by economic shutdowns, emphasizing support for women entrepreneurs. As a philanthropist advocating for Jewish causes and , Lavi supports -related initiatives, including her work with Make-A-Wish Israel, and promotes gender equity as an ongoing daily practice in her career and advocacy efforts. In 2025, she reaffirmed her dedication by allocating portions of House of Lavi sales to community aid programs.

Filmography

Film

  • Tales of an Ancient Empire (2010) as Alana
  • Getting That Girl (2011) as Jenna Jeffries
  • Underground (2011) as Lillith Trog
  • Street Kings 2: Motor City (2011) as Leilah Sullivan
  • For the Love of Money (2012) as Talia
  • House of Dust (2013) as Emma
  • The Last Witch Hunter (2015) as Sonia
  • Sorry for Your Loss (2018) as Lori
  • The Manifestation (2024) as Roni / Vronika
  • Bau, Artist at War (2024) as Rebecca
  • Black Diamond (2025) as Elena
  • Eight Gifts of Hanukkah (2021) as Rose

Television

Lavi began her television career with guest appearances in the mid-2000s, gradually transitioning to more prominent recurring and leading roles in the 2010s.
  • Entourage (2005, as Lila, guest appearance)
  • The Closer (2009, as Tanya, guest appearance)
  • Criminal Minds (2009, as Gina King, guest appearance)
  • Ghost Whisperer (2009, as Brianna, guest appearance)
  • CSI: Miami (2010, as Maya Farooq, guest appearance)
  • Underemployed (2012–2013, as Raviva, recurring role)
  • Gang Related (2014, as Vee, series regular)
  • Sons of Anarchy (2014, as Celia, guest appearance)
  • The Last Ship (2015, as Ravit Bivas, recurring role)
  • Prison Break (2017, as Sheba, recurring role)
  • Imposters (2017–2018, as Maddie, series regular)
  • Lucifer (2019–2021, as Eve, recurring role)
  • Stumptown (2020, as Max, recurring guest role)
  • Fauda (2023, as Shani Russo, recurring role)

References

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