Homayoun Ershadi, the revered Iranian actor whose profound performance in Abbas Kiarostami's Palme d'Or-winning "Taste of Cherry" launched him onto the world stage, has died. He was 78. Ershadi passed away from cancer on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in Tehran. His funeral was held on Wednesday at Behesht Sakineh Cemetery in Karaj. Ershadi forged a unique international career, seamlessly moving between Iranian art-house cinema and major Hollywood productions.