Who is Noa Cohen, the controversial actress behind Netflix’s Mary?

Netflix’s latest biblical movie Mary, directed by D.J. Caruso, received substantial backlash even before its release on the streaming service on December 6.

Anthony Hopkins takes on the role of the antagonist King Herod while the movie’s main character of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is played by Israeli actress Noa Cohen – and this is where the problem seems to lie.

In light of the ongoing genocide in Palestine inflicted by Israel, activists have taken offence with the casting of an Israeli Jewish actress to play the role of Mary, who they claim to be Palestinian.

On the other hand, the movie’s director Caruso told Entertainment Weekly in October that Mary was Jewish, adding, “It was important to us that Mary, along with most of our primary cast, be selected from Israel to ensure authenticity.”

Here’s everything to know about Mary’s leading Israeli actress, Noa Cohen.

How did Noa Cohen land her breakout role?

Cohen, who is only 22, got her start in the entertainment industry as a staff member for Israeli news network Channel 13.

She made her acting debut in 2019 in the TV series My Sister Skipped a Grade. Soon enough, She was booking roles in other TV projects such as My Nephew from Hell, Infinity and 8200. She starred in her first film, Silent Game, in 2022.

Despite being a familiar face to Israeli viewers, Mary has been Cohen’s biggest project yet. In a recent Instagram post, Cohen expressed her gratitude for the role with a heartfelt caption alongside images of her at Mary’s special screening in Los Angeles on December 2.

“I’m so deeply honoured to have had the chance to bring this powerful story to life. It’s been a journey full of emotion, growth and inspiration, all made possible by our incredibly talented and devoted cast and crew,” she wrote.