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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
[edit]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
[edit]
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
[edit]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
[edit]Film
[edit]| 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
[edit]| 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
[edit]- ^ a b "ענבר לביא, כוכבת לוציפר, על החתונה בישראל | גיא פינס". August 28, 2021.
- ^ https://www.instagram.com/p/DKACNcqx0V1/?hl=en&img_index=1
- ^ a b "Inbar Lavi". Hollywood.com. Archived from the original on February 25, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
- ^ a b "פרוייקט הלביא: ענבר לביא עושה את הוליווד" [Inbar Lavi Does Hollywood]. NRG (in Hebrew). November 12, 2011. Archived from the original on May 17, 2019. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
- ^ Hirschman Weiss, Shira (February 3, 2017). "The Israeli Star of Bravo's Imposters, Inbar Lavi". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
- ^ a b Galkin, Alexandra (December 6, 2012). "Actress Inbar Lavi on MTV's 'Underemployed' and Being Underemployed". Bullett Magazine. Archived from the original on December 8, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
- ^ Hugette (December 26, 2012). "Inbar Lavi… Far From Underemployed". DISfunkshion Magazine. Archived from the original on August 25, 2013.
- ^ a b c Meehan, Ryan (November 14, 2012). "5 QUESTIONS WITH INBAR LAVI". First Order Historians. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
- ^ Miller, Gerri (February 6, 2017). "'Imposters' bad girl Inbar Lavi reveals what it's like playing a con artist". From the Grapevine. Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
- ^ Lowry, Brian (October 11, 2012). "Review: 'Underemployed'". Variety. Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
- ^ Lowry, Brian (May 20, 2014). "TV Review: 'Gang Related'". Variety. Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 28, 2015). "'My So Called Wife' Bravo Pilot Casts Inbar Lavi As The Lead". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
- ^ Wagmeister, Elizabeth (March 24, 2016). "Bravo Greenlights Third Scripted Series 'My So Called Wife'". Variety. Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
- ^ Saraiya, Sonia (February 4, 2017). "TV Review: 'Imposters' on Bravo". Variety. Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
- ^ Petski, Denise (November 14, 2014). "'Samantha Mathis Joins 'The Strain'; Inbar Lavi In 'The Last Ship'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
- ^ "Resurrection | Season 5 | PRISON BREAK". Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2017 – via www.youtube.com.
- ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (March 21, 2016). "Prison Break Revival: The Last Ship's Inbar Lavi to Recur on Fox Event Series". TVLine. Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
- ^ a b Iannucci, Rebecca (August 20, 2018). "Lucifer Casts Imposters Star Inbar Lavi as 'Dangerous' [Spoiler] in Season 4". Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2018.
- ^ a b "Exclusive: Here's your first look at Inbar Lavi as Eve in 'Lucifer' season 4". EW.com. Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2019.
- ^ "Inbar Lavi, Jake McLaughlin, Ray Panthaki & Shaun Sipos To Star In Indie Thriller 'Black Diamond'". Deadline. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
- ^ Petski, Denise (November 15, 2021). "'Fauda': Inbar Lavi, Mark Ivanir Among 5 Cast In Season 4 Of Israeli Series As Production Begins". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
External links
[edit]- Inbar Lavi at IMDb
Inbar Lavi
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Upbringing in Israel
Inbar Lavi was born on October 27, 1986, in Ramat Gan, Israel, 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.[13][14] Raised primarily in Holon, a city near Tel Aviv, she experienced a family-oriented environment despite her parents' divorce, which shaped her strong connection to her Israeli identity and values of freedom and community.[15][13] From an early age, Lavi developed a passion for the performing arts, beginning with ballet and contemporary dance training at a professional academy in Israel. She attended the Kiryat Sharet School of Arts in Holon, where her rigorous studies instilled a disciplined work ethic 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 Tel Aviv, where she took her initial acting classes. This early immersion in dance provided her initial exposure to performance, complemented by acting training that sparked further interest in theater and storytelling.[16][15] Lavi's pre-relocation life in Israel was marked by personal challenges, including childhood asthma and dance-related knee injuries that exempted her from mandatory military service—a common expectation for Israeli youth of her age. These health 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.[13][15]Training in the United States
At the age of 17 in 2004, Inbar Lavi relocated from Israel to New York City to pursue modeling and acting.[17] During her initial eight months there, she immersed herself in the theater scene, performing in various off-Broadway productions that provided foundational stage experience and helped build her performance skills.[18] 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.[19] As an immigrant, Lavi faced substantial adaptation challenges, including financial hardships, the harsh winter cold, food scarcity, and the need to refine her English language proficiency for auditions and rehearsals.[20] She also grappled with cultural adjustments, such as feeling like she was "playing a role" in interactions with Americans, which contrasted with her comfort among Israeli expatriates, prompting her to maintain Hebrew at home and celebrate Israeli holidays to preserve her roots.[20] After these experiences, Lavi moved to Los Angeles, where she secured a full scholarship to the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.[13] At the institute, she intensively studied and honed method acting techniques, focusing on emotional depth and character immersion to prepare for professional opportunities.[1] Her earlier ballet training in Israel complemented this education by enhancing her physicality and discipline in expressive roles.[21]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.[22] In 2009, she appeared as Sadie in the Entourage episode "Security Briefs," portraying a security consultant.[23] That same year, she guest-starred as Vanessa Almassian on The Closer, Brianna on Ghost Whisperer, and Kate on Criminal Minds.[3] Her role as Maya Farooq, a key witness in a murder investigation, on CSI: Miami followed in 2010.[24] Prior to these television spots, Lavi built her resume through stage work after relocating to New York City in 2004 at age 17. She performed in various off-Broadway productions, honing her craft following her training at the Sofi Moskowitz School.[19] Lavi transitioned to film with supporting roles in the fantasy adventure Tales of an Ancient Empire (2010), where she played Alana, a warrior princess.[25] In 2011, she appeared as Leilah Sullivan, a seductive informant, in the direct-to-video action thriller Street Kings 2: Motor City.[26] Her breakthrough arrived with the MTV 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.[3]Major television roles
Lavi's television career gained momentum in 2014 with her portrayal of Veronica "Vee" Dotsen, a resilient DEA agent, in the Fox crime drama Gang Related, where she navigated complex alliances in a multi-ethnic task force.[27] That same year, she made a guest appearance as Winsome, a street-smart prostitute, in the seventh season of FX's Sons of Anarchy, adding depth to the show's gritty underworld dynamics.[27] In 2015, Lavi took on the recurring role of Lieutenant Ravit Bivas, a skilled Israeli Navy 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.[28] Her performance in the 2017 revival of Fox's Prison Break as Sheba, a resourceful Yemeni activist aiding the protagonists' escape, marked a significant step in her rising profile within ensemble action thrillers.[29] Lavi achieved a breakthrough as the lead character Maddie Jonson, a charismatic con artist 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.[30] 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.[31] From 2019 to 2021, she portrayed Eve, the biblical first woman seeking adventure after millennia of ennui, across seasons 4 through 6 of Netflix's Lucifer, infusing the supernatural procedural with humor and vulnerability that resonated with audiences.[32] In 2023, Lavi returned to her Israeli roots as Shani Russo, a determined operative, in the fourth season of Netflix's Fauda, enhancing the series' international draw through her authentic portrayal amid its exploration of Middle East conflicts.[5]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 supernatural horror film 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.[33] 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.[34] Two years later, Lavi took on the supporting role of Sonia in The Last Witch Hunter, an action-fantasy directed by Breck Eisner, starring Vin Diesel 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.[35] 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.[36] 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.[37] 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.[38] 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 murder upon encountering a local handyman.[39] Directed by Judd Bloch, the thriller's intimate setting amplifies Lavi's portrayal of escalating paranoia and betrayal.[40] Across these projects, Lavi's film roles often explore action-fantasy elements, as in The Last Witch Hunter, 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.[41] Her television success has notably paved the way for these larger cinematic opportunities, allowing her to tackle complex characters in international productions.[2]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.[42] 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.[43] Her established presence in television provided a platform to introduce her musical work to a broader audience.[44] Following the debut, Lavi collaborated with Australian artist Benji Lewis on the single "Polaroid," released on July 21, 2021, which blended upbeat pop melodies with introspective storytelling about fleeting memories and connections formed during isolation.[45] 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.[46] In January 2022, a remix 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.[47] Throughout her releases, Lavi's music consistently merges accessible pop structures with autobiographical storytelling, emphasizing resilience and self-expression as key motivations.[48]Fashion and entrepreneurship
Inbar Lavi founded the clothing brand House of Lavi in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a line of comfortable, versatile garments designed for everyday wear.[11][18] The brand draws inspiration from the sun-bleached sands, salty waters, and breezy palms of Tel Aviv and Los Angeles, blending Israeli and Californian aesthetics into its collections.[49] As the creative director, 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.[49] Initially, all proceeds from the brand supported female-owned businesses severely affected by the pandemic, reflecting Lavi's commitment to community resilience during challenging times.[50][51] 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.[52] In addition to her entrepreneurial efforts with House of Lavi, Lavi served as the global brand ambassador for Saphira haircare starting in 2023, promoting the line's products formulated with minerals from the Dead Sea.[53]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 2010s.[54] The couple married on September 13, 2021, in a bohemian beachside ceremony at Al Hayam in Israel, their native country, attended by close family and friends including Lavi's "Lucifer" co-stars.[55] The wedding incorporated Jewish cultural elements, such as walking down the aisle to traditional Israeli music and using the Hebrew language in the ceremony to honor their heritage.[56] Following their marriage, Lavi and Bar Shira settled in Los Angeles, where Lavi continued her acting career while maintaining strong ties to Israel through family visits during holidays.[20] This relocation decision allowed Lavi to balance her professional commitments in Hollywood with their growing family life in the city, though she has described Israel as her emotional home base.[20] In early 2025, Lavi announced her pregnancy with their first child, and the couple enjoyed a babymoon in the Coachella Valley near Palm Springs before the birth.[52] On June 28, 2025, they welcomed a daughter named Ariel Lavi Bar Shira, weighing 5 pounds and 11 ounces, into their family in Los Angeles.[57] Lavi has expressed joy in embracing motherhood while navigating her career, with the family incorporating Jewish traditions from her upbringing into their daily practices.[13]Philanthropy and advocacy
Inbar Lavi has been actively engaged in philanthropy, serving as an ambassador for The Los Angeles Children's Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Israel Foundation to support children's health initiatives and grant wishes to those with critical illnesses.[11][58] She also volunteers at Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles, where she helps prepare and distribute meals to homeless individuals and underserved communities.[59] Lavi participated in the 2013 Cinco de Mayo Charity Celebrity Poker Tournament at Velvet Margarita Challenge in Los Angeles, 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 aid the less fortunate, a commitment she has maintained since its launch.[60][38] During the COVID-19 pandemic, she initially donated all proceeds from the LAVI line to female-owned businesses severely impacted by economic shutdowns, emphasizing support for women entrepreneurs.[58] As a philanthropist advocating for Jewish causes and women's empowerment, Lavi supports Israel-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.[11][61] In 2025, she reaffirmed her dedication by allocating portions of House of Lavi sales to community aid programs.[38]Filmography
Film
- Tales of an Ancient Empire (2010) as Alana[62]
- 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[63]
- House of Dust (2013) as Emma[33]
- The Last Witch Hunter (2015) as Sonia
- Sorry for Your Loss (2018) as Lori[64]
- The Manifestation (2024) as Roni / Vronika
- Bau, Artist at War (2024) as Rebecca
- Black Diamond (2025) as Elena[40]
- Eight Gifts of Hanukkah (2021) as Rose[65]
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.[66]- Entourage (2005, as Lila, guest appearance)[66]
- The Closer (2009, as Tanya, guest appearance)[67]
- Criminal Minds (2009, as Gina King, guest appearance)[68]
- Ghost Whisperer (2009, as Brianna, guest appearance)[69]
- CSI: Miami (2010, as Maya Farooq, guest appearance)[24]
- Underemployed (2012–2013, as Raviva, recurring role)[66]
- Gang Related (2014, as Vee, series regular)[66]
- Sons of Anarchy (2014, as Celia, guest appearance)[66]
- The Last Ship (2015, as Ravit Bivas, recurring role)[66]
- Prison Break (2017, as Sheba, recurring role)[66]
- Imposters (2017–2018, as Maddie, series regular)[66]
- Lucifer (2019–2021, as Eve, recurring role)[66]
- Stumptown (2020, as Max, recurring guest role)[70]
- Fauda (2023, as Shani Russo, recurring role)[66]

