“It started with an offer to do this small film, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to take it. I wasn’t convinced the script was good, and I wasn’t sure the director could really pull it off. So I hesitated. But then a friend of mine, someone much older and wiser, told me, ‘Listen, when something comes your way and you think it’s not deep enough or meaningful enough, remember — most people just want a really good, simple story.’ It was a love story, and that advice stuck with me. That little movie ended up in a video store in London, where a casting director for Munich happened to find it. That’s the role that got sent to Steven Spielberg. And that’s how I got Munich. It just goes to show — you never know what’s going to lead to what.”
We had the pleasure of talking with Ayelet Zurer. Ayelet is an Israeli actress known for her work in both Israeli and international cinema and television. Born in Tel Aviv, she grew up in a modest, working-class neighborhood that has since become one of the city’s more upscale areas. Her mother, a Holocaust survivor from Czechoslovakia, immigrated to Israel as a teenager, while her father, of Russian-Jewish descent, was born in Israel. Although she was raised in a family with no artistic background, Zurer developed an early interest in the arts, later exploring illustration and painting before eventually turning to acting.
Her early interest in illustration and painting initially kept her from considering a career in performance. However, an unexpected turn led her to acting when, as a teenager, she accompanied friends to an audition for a musical troupe. Despite not having prior performance experience, she was the only one among them to be accepted. That moment set her on a path that would define her career. She later trained as an actress, first in Israel and then in New York, where she lived for several years, working in theater before fully committing to a career on screen.
Zurer first gained recognition in Israel through her roles in television and film. She became widely known in the late 1990s with her performances in the popular Israeli series Florentine and later in Betipul, a critically acclaimed psychological drama that was later adapted into HBO’s In Treatment. Her work in Israeli cinema was equally well-received, particularly in Nina’s Tragedies (2003), for which she won the Israeli Academy Award for Best Actress.
Her breakthrough into international cinema came when Steven Spielberg cast her in Munich (2005), a political thriller that brought her to the attention of Hollywood. The opportunity arose through an unexpected chain of events — her performance in a lesser-known film happened to be discovered by a casting director in London, leading to her audition for Spielberg. The film opened doors to other major projects, including Vantage Point (2008), Angels & Demons (2009) alongside Tom Hanks, and Man of Steel (2013), in which she played Lara Lor-Van, Superman’s biological mother.
In addition to her film roles, Zurer has been active in television, particularly within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She portrayed Vanessa Marianna-Fisk in Netflix’s Daredevil (2015–2018), a role she reprised in Daredevil: Born Again. Her character, originally introduced as an art dealer, evolves into a key figure in the power dynamics of the series. More recently, she appeared in House of David, a historical drama streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Beyond acting, Zurer is a writer and illustrator, having contributed to books including Badolina, a bestseller in Israel. She is also involved in environmental conservation efforts, supporting initiatives that protect natural land from development. Passionate about education, she believes in investing in future generations through learning and exposure to the arts.
Reflecting on her career, she has described success as something that comes from within rather than external validation. She encourages aspiring actors to travel, learn, and build meaningful relationships, emphasizing that a fulfilling life should extend beyond professional achievements.
Among the directors she hopes to collaborate with in the future, she has named Darren Aronofsky and Clint Eastwood, recognizing their impact on modern cinema. As she continues her work in television and film, she remains dedicated to challenging roles and thought-provoking storytelling, solidifying her status as one of Israel’s most accomplished international actors.
Ayelet, it’s a delight and an honor to meet you. Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share with us the story of your childhood and how you grew up?
Ayelet: Delight to meet you. I grew up in Israel, in Tel Aviv. My mom is Czech — she came to Israel when she was 16. My dad was born there; he’s from Florentin. His family came from Russia. I grew up in Tel Aviv in a very simple neighborhood that is now kind of revered — much more upscale.
Back then, it was a blue-collar neighborhood. It was actually called “the drivers’ neighborhood” because all the bus drivers who worked in Tel Aviv ended up living there. That meant we had all the bus lines coming through, which was great because as kids, we could take buses everywhere.
Life was very simple. I have three sisters, and there were no artists in my family — although my dad became a painter after he retired.
That’s great. So tell us the story of how you got started in the entertainment industry.
Ayelet: Oh gosh. I don’t know — I feel like it always came to me, and in some ways, I always tried to escape it.
When I was a teenager, most of my friends were trying to get into this musical troupe, so I went along with them. I never thought I could sing or perform — it wasn’t even on my radar. I was always into illustrating and painting. That was my thing. I was also pretty shy, so it really took me by surprise when I went with three of my friends, and I was the one who got in while they didn’t.
From there, the journey just kind of unfolded. That opportunity opened up other doors, and in my twenties, I ended up on a TV show about teenagers that became really successful. After that, I felt like I should go to school, so I studied acting.
When I finished, I was mostly doing comedies, but I really wanted to be a dramatic actress. So I took myself to New York, lived there for three and a half years, did theater, and learned a lot about the world alongside the arts. And suddenly, the career became a career. One role led to another, and thankfully, it turned into a really beautiful journey.
Amazing. You probably have some incredible stories from all the projects you’ve been a part of. Can you share one or two that stand out most in your mind from your professional life?
Ayelet: Oh God, there are so many.
I can tell you about when I was living in New York. We had this theater show — it was off-off-Broadway — and on the night of the opening, something broke. I think it was a water hose or something, and the whole stage ended up flooded up to our knees. We spent the entire afternoon pulling water off the stage, and then, that same night, we went on and performed anyway. That experience really showed me how much passion and commitment can take you far in this profession.
But I’m guessing you’re probably asking about the bigger jobs.
I can tell you about how I found out I got Munich, which was pretty remarkable — almost miraculous, really.
It started with an offer to do this small film, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to take it. I wasn’t convinced the script was good, and I wasn’t sure the director could really pull it off. So I hesitated. But then a friend of mine, someone much older and wiser, told me, Listen, when something comes your way and you think it’s not deep enough or meaningful enough, remember — most people just want a really good, simple story. It was a love story, and that advice stuck with me. I also just needed the money, so I thought, Okay, I’ll take the job.
Sure enough, that little movie ended up in a video store in London. One of the casting directors for Munich was looking for actors, and she happened to go into that store. She pulled a few DVDs off the shelf, and that film — this tiny, barely-seen movie — was one of them.
She later told me that, even though it was a small film, something about my performance stood out. That’s the role that got sent to Steven Spielberg, and that’s how I got Munich.
It just goes to show — you never know what’s going to lead to what.
It’s been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake you made when you were first starting out in acting and the lesson you learned from it?
Ayelet: Oh gosh, I don’t know if I made any big, funny mistakes. But I can tell you that when I was younger, I was always very stubborn. If someone wanted me to do something, I had to understand why. I had my own ideas, and at some point, I stopped being flexible. I actually started out very open, but then I became rigid in my thinking.
Later on, when I started writing and saw storytelling from the other side, I realized what a pain in the butt I had been. It really made me think about the difference between actors who understand that they are there to serve the story versus actors who only focus on their own role.
Over time, I learned that, yes, I should protect my character and their journey when necessary, but I also needed to step back and see the bigger picture. What is my role in this story? That shift in perspective was a huge lesson for me.
That’s great. That’s a really valuable lesson. We love hearing stories where someone a little further ahead opens a door or creates an opportunity that changes someone’s career. Do you have a story where someone did that for you — or where you did that for someone else?
Ayelet: I wouldn’t want to share stories of what I’ve done for others because I feel like that takes away from the magic of it. But I can tell you about an experience I had.
When I got Angels & Demons, the first person who called me was the director. But the second person who called me was Tom Hanks. He left me the kindest, warmest message — truly the kind of message any actor would dream of getting from another actor.
He treated me like an equal. And of course, I was completely starstruck — he’s such a phenomenal actor. But beyond that, I realized what an incredible person he is. The way he welcomed me made me feel comfortable and invited into the project.
That really shifted my experience. It also taught me how important it is, especially when you’re one of the leads, to set the right tone on set. Your energy affects everyone around you. Whether it’s film, theater, or any kind of collaboration, the way you show up impacts the entire experience. That was a really powerful lesson for me.
That’s amazing. You have such an impressive body of work. Can you share with our readers any exciting projects you’re working on now — whatever you’re allowed to share — and what you hope to be working on in the near future?
Ayelet: Well, right now, I’m working on Daredevil: Born Again, the second season. And I just came off House of David, which is doing really well on Amazon.
That’s exciting! So in Daredevil, can you tell us a bit about your character and why we have to watch it?
Ayelet: Oh, you don’t have to watch anything. (laughs)
I play Vanessa, the love interest of Kingpin. She was introduced in the first three seasons, which originally aired on Netflix. At that time, she was a gallerist — someone deeply involved in the art world, selling and curating pieces.
But in this new season, Daredevil: Born Again, she’s not that person anymore. She’s now someone who holds the empire Kingpin built for her. She’s very much a businesswoman — a powerful one.
How do you compare and contrast your personal character with Vanessa? How are you similar, and how are you different?
Ayelet: Oh, we’re not similar at all — but I can totally understand where she’s coming from.
I think she’s a very lonely person who ends up falling for a man who isn’t really the right person for her. But over time, she falls in love with him and allows his darkness to consume her as well. There’s a price to pay for that.
She’s also extremely calculated. The one thing I can relate to with her is her deep need for honesty. Vanessa immediately recognizes dishonesty, and she has this sharp understanding of people — she knows their worth, what they’re willing to pay for something, and the price they’ll accept in return.
I wouldn’t necessarily call her manipulative, but she’s incredibly perceptive when it comes to people and their motives.
Going back to House of David, what do you think are the lessons society can take from its themes?
Ayelet: Oh wow. Yeah, well, I think the show explores themes of duty, destiny, and the price you’re willing to pay for them.
There’s also a strong theme around trust — whether it’s trust in your own journey, in God, or in accepting reality and change. It’s very much a hero’s journey, a coming-of-age story, and a political intrigue all wrapped into one.
I hope everyone watching will find all of that in there.
As you know, people compare you to other famous Israeli actresses like Gal Gadot and Shira Haas. Being Jewish or Israeli, they face challenges in today’s climate. Have you had similar experiences?
Actor: I totally understand what you’re talking about. I had a couple of conversations with young Jewish actors, particularly in London, who said it’s really hard for them right now. There’s a lot of antisemitism.
But thankfully for me, this year and the year before, I was very lucky. I was working all the time — on House of David, Daredevil, and other shows — so I didn’t feel it as much. I’m really hoping this will change. I truly hope it does.
This is our signature question. You’ve been blessed with a lot of success. Looking back to when you first started, can you share five things you’ve learned that you wish you knew when you began acting?
Ayelet: The first thing I want to say — about acting and about life in general — is that real success doesn’t come from the outside world. It comes from within. Whether you’re chasing money or fame, those might seem like positive things, but they won’t necessarily bring you happiness, joy, or wisdom. So the first thing I’d say is: real success comes from within.
As for the other four… Learn. Travel. Expand your horizons. Drop the iPhone, step away from social media, and truly see and experience the world. What you experience, you can then express.
Also, make good friends along the way. The people you work with are the people you’ll meet again and again. Sometimes you’ll collaborate, sometimes you’ll give them a job, and sometimes they’ll give you one. You never know who you’ll cross paths with, so build a strong network of friendships.
And finally, make sure your life exists outside of your job. Your job is not your life. Create a rich, fulfilling life beyond work.
Beautiful. Can you share with our readers the self-care routines you follow to help your body, mind, and heart thrive?
Ayelet: I meditate. Meditation is a really helpful tool for me — not just as an actor, but in general. I started with TM (Transcendental Meditation) and later explored other types that use brain waves along with specific words or affirmations to help imprint positive changes on the brain. Neuroplasticity is an incredible thing.
I also spend time in nature. When I travel for work, I try to stay near water so I can swim or just look at it — it really grounds me and makes me feel good. And of course, I eat good food and celebrate life as much as possible, especially when things are hard.
That’s great. Because of the platform you’ve built and your incredible work, you have a lot of influence. If you could spread an idea or inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would it be?
Ayelet: I think, given the state of the world, we’ve started to forget how important it is to take care of nature. If we want to live on this planet in a healthy, happy way, we have to protect it.
I joined a group that buys land purely for conservation — nothing is built on it, and it’s given back to the people who live there. I’ve always supported initiatives like that.
And anything related to children’s education — I would invest in that, too. The future is always in the next generation, but we often look backward instead of forward. We need to invest in education and in children.
Beautiful. This is our final question — what we call our matchmaker question. We’re very blessed that prominent leaders in entertainment and business read this column, so this is our chance to maybe connect you with someone. Is there a person in the world, or in the U.S., with whom you’d love to have lunch, grab a coffee, or collaborate? We could tag them on social media and maybe make it happen.
Ayelet: Oh gosh… Since I’m in New York, Darren Aronofsky. I love his work — always have. And before it’s too late, and if he’s still making another movie, Clint Eastwood. There are so many directors and people I’d love to connect with, but I’ll keep it to those two.
That’s great! Wonderful. We’ll do our best to get their attention. And even if they don’t respond right away, this will be out there permanently — in internet ink — and eventually, it’ll percolate.
Ayelet: Amen to that.
So, how can our readers continue following your work? Where can they watch Daredevil, House of David, and everything else you’re involved in? And how can they support you in any way?
Ayelet: Daredevil is on Disney+. I think you can also buy it, but I’m not sure. House of David is available on Amazon Prime Video. And that’s it!
Amazing. It’s been so delightful to meet you. Wishing you continued success and blessings.
Ayelet: Thank you very much.
Hopefully, we do this again next year.
Ayelet: Yes! Let’s do it.
