IN CONVERSATION WITH SHIRAZ TZARFATI

interview by JANA LETONJA

Shiraz Tzarfati is the breakout star of ‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’, Amazon’s #1 hit series, where she delivers a captivating performance opposite Taylor Kitsch in her first major franchise role. Audiences may also recognize her from ‘The Serpent Queen’, ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’, and the acclaimed French feature ‘Il n’y a pas d’ombre dans le désert’. With a career that bridges European and American projects, Shiraz brings a rare blend of elegance, intensity, and global perspective to the screen, making her one of Hollywood’s most exciting rising talents to watch as ‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ heads into its highly anticipated finale on 24th September.

all clothing via LONI VINTAGE
all jewellery via MAILI JEWELRY

What excited you most about joining ‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’?

Oh, easy, the cast. I remember being excited just at the idea of even being considered to join this group, let alone actually becoming part of it. Even now, more than a year after filming, I can say the most special part of this project is still the people. The writing is incredible, and as a viewer I’m on the edge of my seat every episode. But what made it all come together was the environment on set and this cast. The chemistry you see on screen is exactly what we had off screen. I honestly can’t imagine anyone else in these roles. What felt like an honor at first, acting next to them, still feels like one. The only difference now is that I also get to call them family.

This is your first time leading a major franchise. How did you prepare for a role of this scale?

There’s always a big sense of responsibility when you play a character, but it feels especially huge when you know that character exists somewhere out there. From the very beginning, I felt so supported in creating Tal. Dave, our showrunner, described her arc this season as ‘the becoming of Tal.’ This is where she transforms into the operator she’s meant to be. At first, she’s eager to get into the field, almost treating it like a game she’s very good at, because so much of her strength comes from being behind a computer, doing what she does best without yet fully facing the cost of it all. Then she experiences her first real shock, and she’s never the same.

That description gave me so much to work with, not just who she was on her own, but within the group. She’s the youngest, holding onto a touch of naïveté. From my very first audition scenes, I could picture her. She could’ve been one of my friends, and in many ways, she reminded me of myself. Like Tal, I was the youngest, stepping onto this massive set, trying to prove myself while staying true to who I am. The set was my field, and that parallel helped me understand her on a deeper level.

The more challenging part was the technical side, but this is where our technical advisor teams, including our executive producers ex-Navy SEAL Jared Shaw and ex-Army Ranger Max Adams, always had our backs, making sure every move looked real. From drawing a gun, a thousand times with Jared, to drilling fight choreography with Thom Williams, it all eventually became muscle memory. That’s when I could finally let go and just be Tal.

The series blends intense action with deep psychological storytelling. Which aspect of your character challenged you the most?

There were different layers of challenges at different times of the shoot. At first, it was about making this young, confident, slightly naïve girl exist within a world of very grounded, intimidating men, both the characters and the actors. My very first day was opposite Tom Hopper and Taylor Kitsch. Inside I was terrified, but on the outside, I had to bring humor, confidence, and lightness. It was a ‘fake it till you make it’ moment. Once I got past that imposter syndrome, I started to feel more comfortable in Tal’s skin. That was the mental challenge, as Shiraz.

My first fight scene was unlike anything I’d ever done. No training can fully prepare you for that kind of intensity. I learned to let my body lead and the emotions follow. Even though the moves are choreographed, your body doesn’t always know the difference. The bigger challenge was emotional. My instinct was to let Tal break down, but her mission always came first. 

What can you tease about the finale?

It will definitely leave you wanting more. You get so invested in these characters that by the finale, you’re not ready to let go. Episode seven is actually the one I’m in the least, which made it my favorite to watch as a fan. I wasn’t on a lot of those locations, so I got to experience it fresh, glued to my TV like everyone else. And I have to give a shout out to Ruth Barrett, whose score just keeps getting better and better.

You’ve built credits across both television and film in Europe and the US. How did *The Serpent Queen* and *The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon* prepare you for this global spotlight?

Honestly, it feels funny to even speak on these titles since they were in a smaller capacity, though they taught me how to exist on big sets, how things flow, who does what, and how to interact with everyone. That experience was invaluable when I stepped onto ‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’. But I see ‘Dark Wolf’ as my first true big project, the one where everything I’d learned along the way came together.

Growing up across different cultures has given you a unique perspective. How does that shape the stories you’re drawn to?

I love it. Every time I speak a different language, a new side of me comes out — in personality, in body language, even in humor. Each culture I grew up in gave me something. Lessons, friends, habits. They all mash together into who I am. When it comes to stories, I’m drawn to both extremes. On one hand, I love characters who don’t need to be defined by where they’re from, whether in science fiction or in universes where origins don’t matter. On the other hand, I’m also passionate about telling stories deeply rooted in my cultures, but not just the political or religious ones. My dream is to tell cultural stories about love, family, and universal emotions that humanize a place beyond borders. That’s also why it was so important for me, in my first fashion photoshoot, to showcase my neighborhood in Jaffa, the place I come from and where I grew up. 

You’ve got both the credibility for gritty action and the presence for high fashion. Do you see yourself pursuing both paths equally?

I mean, isn’t that every little girl’s dream? More seriously, acting will always be my main focus, but fashion feels like such a natural extension of it. For me, it connects directly to character work. The way you dress changes the way you feel. Put on something different, and suddenly a new side of you comes out. It’s almost like experimenting with alter egos, which is so similar to stepping into a role. So yes, I’d love to pursue both. Fashion gives me the chance to play, to try on new versions of myself, but also to discover what feels the most like me.

How do you bring your own personal style into the way you present yourself publicly?

I can already hear my big sister making fun of me. Every time she doesn’t like what I wear, she goes, “Hmm… that’s interesting.” And interesting is never a good thing with Jane-Lee. But honestly, I think I have great style. My look changes depending on my mood, what movies I’m watching, or which alter ego I’m channeling that day. The common thread is confidence. If something’s trendy but feels wrong on me, I won’t wear it. On the flip side, I can feel amazing in pajamas if they make me feel good. For me, style is confidence. Everything else is just play. 

What has been the biggest lesson for you so far in this breakout moment?

I love this one because it’s basically the question that’s been taking the most brain space since the show came out and I started experiencing so many firsts. First interviews, first premiere, first time being number one on Amazon. When the show dropped, I got so much love, but one message stood out. My brother texted me “Remember that success is a long-term game. Peaks aren’t stable. The key is to build stability.” Then I heard Robert De Niro say “This too shall pass.” Put those together, and that’s my mindset right now. Enjoy every moment fully, but stay grounded, build routines, and focus on the work ahead, not just the highs.

At the top of that priority list, for me, will always be time with friends and family. That’s what keeps me grounded, and that’s what allows me to give my best to the work. 

What kind of roles are you most excited to explore after ‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’?

First, I’m not done with Tal yet. I love her too much not to step into her shoes again. But beyond that, I’d like to switch genres. Maybe a villain role or a romantic comedy. Since finishing acting school, I’ve mostly done heavy drama, in short films and plays, and I love it. But I’m ready to play around.

I’m a total ‘all-in’ kind of person, so I’d love a role that requires learning a new skill. I throw myself fully into anything I do. My friends can tell you about my tennis phase. Acting gives me the same rush, diving completely into something new and discovering what comes out of it.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent SHIRAZ TZARFATI
creative direction EDEN AMIT and ETHAN KAJARI
photography and post-production EDEN AMIT and ETHAN KAJARI
styling TAMAR ELBAZ
hair SHOVAL EDRI
makeup ADAM MECHALY
styling assistant ZIV COHEN