Comedian Nadav Abukasis Recalls Growing Up with a Gravedigger Father
Comedian Nadav Abukasis revealed in a recent interview in Israeli media how his father's four-decade career as a gravedigger shaped his unique childhood and stand-up comedy.
Israeli actor and comedian Nadav Abukasis recently opened up about his unique childhood, his decades-long career, and his comedic routines during an appearance on Roni Kuban's interview program in Israeli media.
During the candid conversation, Abukasis reflected on growing up in Hatzor HaGlilit as part of a traditional religious family with nine siblings. He shared striking memories of his late father, who worked as a gravedigger for forty years and belonged to a family of gravediggers. Abukasis recalled how his father used to take him and his siblings to funerals during the 1980s, where they walked long distances on foot and witnessed lengthy mourning rituals.
The comedian noted that these unusual childhood experiences heavily influence his stand-up routines today. He recounted a humorous yet poignant anecdote from a family funeral involving his aunt, using the cultural contrast between different communities to craft his signature comedic style.
Over the years, Abukasis has built an illustrious career in the Israeli entertainment industry. He first rose to prominence in the late 1990s through Didi Harari's radio program and has since appeared in numerous popular television shows, including "Buba Shel Layla", "Tzhok Me'Avoda", and most recently, the cooking reality show "The Winning Kitchen" alongside his sister in 2025.
