Lior Narkis Opens Up About Secret Depression, Divorce, and Turning 50
Israeli singer Lior Narkis opens up about his secret two-year battle with severe depression following his divorce, his recovery, and finding new love ahead of his 50th birthday.
Lior Narkis is celebrating three decades of a demanding career with a massive upcoming concert, marking a turning point after two turbulent years. While the public sees a high-energy star who electrifies the stage, few could guess the personal battles raging behind the microphone. This November, he will turn 50, a milestone that prompts even someone as restless as him to pause and reflect. Looking ahead, Narkis feels a profound shift. For the first time, he wants to slow down, travel, and enjoy life on a different level.
The Dark Years Behind the Mic
The famous smile that became his trademark wasn't always genuine; for a long time, it was a mask. Narkis candidly reveals that behind the scenes, he endured a dark period that nearly cost him his career and mental health. "I went through a very difficult period of two years where I was literally in bed," he recalls. Struggling with severe depression, he admitted he lost the desire to sing, perform, or even get up. Pulling himself out of the abyss required professional help, antidepressant medication, and a sharp reality check from his personal manager.
Even when his soul was in turmoil, the well-oiled machine of Lior Narkis had to keep running. His commitment to his band, technicians, and their families outweighed his personal agony. In a moment of raw honesty, he describes the surreal dissonance of his performances. "I cried all the way from home to Hadera, I am not kidding. I cried the whole way—and went up on stage with a huge smile. No one felt it, no one knew."
Divorce and New Beginnings
The central trigger for the crisis, he explains, was the breakdown of his marriage and his divorce from Sapir Narkis. Though they share three children and a 16-year history, the relationship had run its course. Seeing his ex-wife move on was initially painful, but his primary concern remains the well-being of his children.
Amidst the healing process, a new chapter opened with his current partner, Miri. In a twist of fate, Narkis had actually performed at her wedding twelve years earlier before reconnecting with her years later on social media. After months of persistent messaging and a little help from a mutual friend, they came together. "When I met him, he was a broken wreck," Miri recalls. Today, Narkis speaks of her with boundless devotion. "This is the greatest love I've ever had in my life. I look at the path I walked, and if it was all to meet Miri—it was worth it."
Looking Forward to the Golden Jubilee
As he prepares for his grand 50th birthday and 30-year career celebration at Menora Mivtachim Arena on November 5, Narkis finds immense pride in his son, Eliyah. Following directly in his father's musical footsteps, Eliyah is a true "mini-me" who will join him on stage. Reflecting on his journey from selling cassette tapes at the Central Bus Station to packed arenas, Narkis feels ready for this new decade. On every wrinkle, he says, he has receipts—and a renewed zest for life.
