Marjane Satrapi, creator of “Persepolis”, dies at 56

French‑Iranian graphic novelist and filmmaker Marjane Satrapi died at age 56. According to her family, the cause was profound grief that followed the death of her husband, Swedish producer Mattias Ripa, who passed away on 8 April 2025.

Satrapi, born in Iran in 1969 and exiled in France since 1994, gained worldwide recognition for her autobiographical graphic novel “Persepolis” and its 2007 film adaptation. She was a vocal critic of the Iranian regime and, in 2025, refused France’s Legion of Honour, denouncing what she called the country’s “hypocritical stance” toward Iran. Her death has prompted tributes from the global arts community, highlighting her legacy as a champion of freedom and human rights.