HARI NEF

Hari Nef: A Trailblazing Force in Fashion, Film, and Advocacy​

Early Life and Education

Hari Nef was born on October 21, 1992, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into a Jewish family. Following her parents' divorce when she was two, she was raised by her mother in Newton, Massachusetts. From an early age, Nef demonstrated a passion for the arts, participating in theater productions starting at age 11. She pursued her interests academically by enrolling at Columbia University in 2011, where she graduated in 2015 with a degree in theater .​

Modeling Career

Nef's modeling career commenced in 2014 when she caught the attention of designer Shayne Oliver at an East Village club, leading to her debut at New York Fashion Week for Hood By Air. In 2015, she made history by becoming the first openly transgender woman signed to IMG Models, a milestone that garnered significant media attention . Her modeling portfolio includes appearances in major fashion publications and campaigns, such as a L'Oréal Paris advertisement aired during the 2017 Golden Globe Awards .​

Acting Career

Nef's acting breakthrough came with her portrayal of Tante Gittel in Amazon's "Transparent," a role that earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination in 2016 . She continued to build her acting resume with roles in films like "Assassination Nation" (2018) and "Mapplethorpe" (2018), and television series including "You" (2018), where she played Blythe, and "The Idol" (2023), portraying Talia Hirsch . In 2023, she appeared as Dr. Barbie in Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," further solidifying her presence in mainstream cinema .​

Writing and Advocacy

Beyond modeling and acting, Nef is an accomplished writer, contributing essays and articles to publications like Artforum, Dazed, and Vice. Her writings often explore themes of gender, identity, and culture, reflecting her commitment to advocacy and social commentary . Nef's multifaceted career and activism have positioned her as a prominent figure in discussions surrounding transgender representation in media and fashion.​

Hari Nef continues to break barriers and challenge norms across various industries, using her platform to advocate for inclusivity and representation. Her contributions to fashion, film, and literature underscore her role as a pioneering force in contemporary culture.