French-Iranian writer, illustrator, and filmmaker Marjane Satrapi, widely recognised around the world for her influential graphic novel Persepolis, has reportedly died at the age of 56.
A statement released by her family and reported by news agency AFP said Satrapi passed away “a little over a year” after the death of her husband, Swedish producer and filmmaker Mattias Ripa.
The loss of her husband was said to have had a profound emotional impact on the acclaimed artist, who had previously spoken about the deep connection they shared.
After his passing in April 2025, she was described as having struggled with grief while still making efforts to preserve and honour his memory.
In the wake of his death, she went on to establish the Mattias and Marjane Ripa-Satrapi Cinema Foundation, a project created to support foreign students who aspire to study filmmaking in Paris.
In a moving message shared after his passing, she wrote: “For I have lost the love of my life.”
Born in Rasht, Iran, in 1969 and raised in Tehran, Satrapi’s early life unfolded during the upheaval of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Her upbringing under strict political and social conditions in Iran later became the foundation for her most celebrated work, Persepolis.
First published in French in 2000, the graphic novel traces her journey from childhood in Iran to her teenage years in Europe, following her relocation to Vienna at the age of 14 by her parents.
The book was later released as a complete volume and translated into more than 30 languages, earning widespread international recognition, awards, and critical acclaim.
With its striking black-and-white artwork and deeply intimate narrative style, Persepolis became a global reference point for understanding themes of Iranian identity, exile, and personal memory through the medium of graphic storytelling.
Beyond her achievements in literature, Satrapi also played a significant role in reshaping perceptions of graphic novels, helping to elevate the form into a respected space within both literary and cinematic culture.
She was also noted for her activism and cultural engagement, including efforts aimed at supporting emerging filmmakers and encouraging cross-cultural collaboration.
