Sahar Tabar, widely known as the “Zombie Angelina Jolie” due to her viral appearance, shocked the internet when she revealed her true face following her release from prison.
In 2017, Sahar became an internet sensation for her extreme and unsettling transformation that bore a striking resemblance to Hollywood star Angelina Jolie. The heavily edited images, which featured dramatic makeup and Photoshop effects, led to her nickname as the “Zombie Angelina Jolie.”
Her fame quickly spiraled, but it also brought unwanted attention. In 2019, Sahar was arrested by Iranian authorities amid a crackdown on social media influencers. She was charged with blasphemy, inciting violence, and other offenses, eventually being sentenced to ten years in prison. After serving 14 months while awaiting her trial, she was granted a conditional release.
Upon appearing on Iran’s state-owned channel, Rokna, Sahar surprised viewers by unveiling her real, unaltered appearance. Gone were the exaggerated, emaciated features; instead, Sahar revealed a more natural and human look. She admitted that her viral images were the result of extensive editing, makeup, and even cosmetic surgery, such as a nose job and lip fillers.
Sahar explained, “The images you saw were computer effects. I used cyberspace as a way to express myself — it was much easier than becoming an actor.”
She also noted that her desire to resemble Angelina Jolie was never the goal. “It was a form of self-expression and art,” she said. “I just enjoyed making my face look fun and funny.”
The revelation has sparked mixed reactions online, with some people commenting on the pressures of social media and the lengths some go for fame, while others expressed sadness over the personal costs of such transformations.
Her journey has been both a story of self-expression and a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking validation through extreme measures.