“Unorthodox,” the critically acclaimed Netflix miniseries, took the world by storm in 2020, and one name stood out for her exceptional portrayal of Esther ‘Esty’ Shapiro – Shira Haas. The Israeli actress brought her talent and dedication to the role, leaving a lasting impact on viewers worldwide. In this article, we dive into the life and career of Shira Haas and her unforgettable role in “Unorthodox.”
Shira Haas: A Rising Star
Born on May 11, 1995, Shira Haas hails from Tel Aviv, Israel. Her journey to becoming a renowned actress began in her homeland, where she gained recognition for her roles in Israeli film and television. Shira’s talent and dedication to her craft have earned her two Israeli Ophir Awards, solidifying her status as a rising star.
Early Life and Family
Shira’s upbringing was rooted in a secular Jewish family with a rich heritage. Her parents, who are Israeli-born Jews, have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, including Polish-Jewish, Hungarian-Jewish, and Czech-Jewish roots. The family’s history is marked by resilience, as two of Shira’s grandparents survived the Holocaust, with one enduring imprisonment at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II.
Shira Haas’ first name, in Hebrew, carries the beautiful meanings of “poetry,” “singing,” or “her song.” Her journey began in Tel Aviv, but when she was just one year old, her family moved to Hod HaSharon, Israel, where she grew up alongside her older sister and brother.
Shira’s early years were marked by a formidable challenge. At the tender age of two, she was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Her unwavering determination and the support of her family saw her through this harrowing experience. After two years of intense treatments, Shira Haas emerged victorious, regaining her health.
Shira Haas’ Remarkable Career
Shira’s career took root when she was just 14 years old, and she began performing in plays at Tel Aviv’s Cameri Theater. Some of her notable early roles included performances in plays such as “Ghetto” (2010) and “Richard III.”
Her television debut came in 2013 when she portrayed the character Ruchami Weiss in the Israeli drama series “Shtisel.” It was this series that marked the beginning of her professional acting journey.
A turning point in Shira’s career came when Israeli casting director Esther Kling reached out to her via a Facebook message in 2014. Esther encouraged Shira to audition for the lead role in the Israeli film “Princess,” which was released in 2014. Shira Haas’s performance in the movie was nothing short of remarkable, earning her praise from The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter.
The success of “Princess” garnered her Best Actress awards at both the Jerusalem Film Festival and the Peace & Love Film Festival. Shira also earned a nomination for Best Leading Actress at the Israeli Ophir Awards.
Shira’s international debut was alongside compatriot Natalie Portman in the film “A Tale of Love and Darkness” (2015), which marked Portman’s directorial debut. Shira portrayed the role of a young Fania in the film, earning praise for her performance.
In 2017, she appeared in “The Zookeeper’s Wife” alongside Jessica Chastain and earned recognition on American talk shows, including “The Today Show.” Her roles continued to pile up, including a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “Foxtrot” (2017), a film that made the final shortlist for the 90th Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Shira Haas’s career was marked by numerous Israeli television series, such as “Shtisel” (2013–2020), “The Jeweler” (2015), “The Switch Principle” (2016), “Harem” (2017), and “The Conductor” (2018). She received nominations at the Israeli Ophir Awards for her roles in “Broken Mirrors” (2018) and “Noble Savage” (2018), winning in the latter category.
The International Breakthrough with “Unorthodox”
Shira Haas’s journey to international stardom reached its zenith with “Unorthodox.” In preparation for her role as Esther ‘Esty’ Shapiro, Shira immersed herself in the character. She arrived in Berlin, Germany, two months before the shooting of the Netflix series to learn Yiddish, the primary language spoken in the show.
The role of Esty required not only language skills but also a significant physical transformation. Shira Haas had to shave her head and undergo piano and singing lessons to authentically portray Esty, who flees her arranged marriage and ultra-Orthodox community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
The miniseries, based on the true-life story of Deborah Feldman, garnered international acclaim. Shira’s portrayal of Esty was met with resounding praise from critics, and her performance earned her a nomination for a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award in 2020.
Shira Haas’ Personal Life
While Shira’s professional journey has taken her around the world, she has continued to call Tel Aviv, Israel, her home as of April 2020. Despite her skyrocketing career, Shira remains rooted in her homeland.
The Future for Shira Haas
Shira Haas’s star continues to rise as she takes on new and exciting projects. In September 2022, Marvel Studios announced that Shira would portray Sabra in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe sequel film, “Captain America: Brave New World,” scheduled for release in 2024. She also has a role in the period drama “Ethel,” set for 2024.
Shira Haas’s journey is an inspiration, showcasing the heights that talent, determination, and unwavering family support can help one achieve. Her dedication to her craft and the authenticity she brings to her roles have made her a beloved figure in the world of entertainment. As her career continues to flourish, we eagerly anticipate the remarkable performances and achievements that lie ahead for Shira Haas.