Naor Zion

Biography

Naor Zion was born to Persian Jewish parents. He grew up in Ramat HaSharon, Israel. His father died when he was ten.

In 1993, after his army service, he appeared in a stand-up talent show on the entertainment show of Dudu Topaz broadcast on Channel 1. In 1994, Zion participated in a humor show called "Naflu Al HaRosh" ("fell on their heads") on Israeli Channel 2. He also appeared around the country in a one man show which combined stand-up, sketches and interaction with the audience. The show featured funny observations of typical Israeli situations, comments on the social-political situation, relationships and more. Over the years Zion developed a popular skit during his show in which he would dub a couple of segments from the series "Pinocchio" (which was a popular 1980s children cartoon in Israel) in a satirical form. His show ran successfully throughout seven years.

In 2001, Zion presented a new stand-up show which combined video segments which were broadcast during the show on a wide stage screen.

In 2005, Zion released a DVD with highlights from his stand-up show.

In 2006, Zion wrote, directed and starred in the Israeli sitcom "Naor's Friends". The first series was initially screened during 2006 on the Israeli Channel 10. A second series did not air until 2009.

Private life

In December 2003, an Indictment was filed against Zion for an attempted attack and malicious damage to property after Zion threw a garbage can and a plastic chair at a waitress in a restaurant, after she served him food which wasn't to his satisfaction. Eventually the Magistrate's court in Tel Aviv approved a plea bargain between Zion and the State Attorney's Office, according to which he would serve 120 hours of community service and would pay the waitress 3,000 shekels.

In 2003, Zion also attacked a press photographer and threatened to hit him if he dared to take pictures of him.