Marjane Satrapi, Creator of 'persepolis,' Passes Away at 56

WHO:

ABC News - Marjane Satrapi was an acclaimed Iranian-French cartoonist and filmmaker.

Deadline - Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, paid tribute to Marjane Satrapi, stating, “We’ve lost a true original.”

CNN - The Élysée Palace issued a statement lauding Satrapi’s work, stating it “captivated a global audience.”

CNN - Marjane Satrapi, French-Iranian artist and author, known for her graphic novel memoir "Persepolis."

CNN - Élysée Palace, which issued a statement regarding Satrapi's death.

CNN - Narges Foundation, an Iranian women human rights group that described Satrapi as a "fearless advocate for feminism, women’s rights."

WHAT:

CBS News - Marjane Satrapi died on June 4, 2026, at age 56.

NBC News - The French presidency announced Satrapi's death.

Variety - A statement from close friends and family indicated that Satrapi "died of sadness a little over a year after the death of Mattias Ripa, her husband and the love of her life."

Variety - Satrapi "died of sadness a little over a year after the death of Mattias Ripa, her husband and the love of her life," according to a statement from close friends and family.

CNN - The Élysée Palace described Satrapi’s passing as a loss of “a leading figure in French culture and an artist deeply committed to freedom.”

CNN - Marjane Satrapi has died at the age of 56.

CNN - Satrapi's work "Persepolis" was adapted into a film in 2007, which won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award.

Variety - Satrapi died of sadness a little over a year after the death of her husband, Mattias Ripa.

WHERE:

CNN - Satrapi was born in Rasht, Iran.

WHEN:

CNN - Satrapi was born on November 22, 1969.

CNN - The film adaptation of "Persepolis" was released in 2007.

WHY:

CNN - The Narges Foundation characterized Satrapi as someone who “champion(ed) the struggles and resilience of Iranian women.”

CNN - Satrapi was an outspoken critic of Iran’s ruling establishment and a supporter of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, which emerged after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022.

HOW:

Deadline - Kathleen Kennedy described Satrapi as someone who "broke the door open" for future artists.

Deadline - Kathleen Kennedy worked with Satrapi on the film "Persepolis," which earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature.

CNN - Satrapi's graphic novel "Persepolis" chronicled her childhood in Tehran under the Islamic Revolution.

(UPDATED June 4, 2026 23:20 UTC)

Marjane Satrapi, the acclaimed Iranian-French graphic novelist and filmmaker, has passed away at the age of 56. Her work, particularly the graphic novel "Persepolis," has had a profound impact on literature and film, resonating with audiences around the world. Satrapi's contributions to storytelling and her unique perspective on culture and identity will be remembered for years to come.

(UPDATED June 4, 2026 21:26 UTC)

Marjane Satrapi, the acclaimed Iranian-French cartoonist and filmmaker, has passed away, as announced by the French presidency. Kathleen Kennedy praised Satrapi, stating that she "broke the door open" for future artists, highlighting her significant impact on the creative community. Her contributions to art and storytelling will be remembered and celebrated by many.

(UPDATED June 4, 2026 19:40 UTC)

Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, has paid tribute to Marjane Satrapi, stating, “We’ve lost a true original.” Close friends and family shared that Satrapi died of sadness a little over a year after the passing of her husband, Mattias Ripa, who was the love of her life. Kennedy, who collaborated with Satrapi on the Oscar-nominated film "Persepolis," expressed her deep admiration for the talented artist.

(UPDATED June 4, 2026 17:51 UTC)

Satrapi has passed away, with close friends and family revealing that she "died of sadness a little over a year after the death of Mattias Ripa, her husband and the love of her life." This poignant statement highlights the deep bond they shared and the impact of his loss on her life. Her passing marks a significant moment for those who admired her work and her story.

(UPDATED June 4, 2026 16:06 UTC)

Satrapi has passed away, with close friends and family stating that she "died of sadness a little over a year after the death of Mattias Ripa, her husband and the love of her life." This news has touched many who admired her work and the profound love she shared with Ripa. Her legacy will continue to inspire countless individuals around the world.

(UPDATED June 4, 2026 13:57 UTC)

The Élysée Palace has issued a heartfelt statement honoring the work of Satrapi, describing it as something that “captivated a global audience.” They also expressed that her passing represents a significant loss for French culture, highlighting her deep commitment to freedom. Additionally, the Narges Foundation praised Satrapi as a champion of the struggles and resilience of Iranian women.

(UPDATED June 4, 2026 11:51 UTC)

Marjane Satrapi, the acclaimed French-Iranian artist and author known for her graphic novel memoir "Persepolis," has passed away at the age of 56. The Élysée Palace released a statement honoring her legacy, while the Narges Foundation described her as a "fearless advocate for feminism and women’s rights," highlighting her outspoken criticism of Iran’s ruling establishment and her support for the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement. Satrapi's influential work, which chronicled her childhood in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution, was adapted into a film in 2007 that won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and received an Academy Award nomination.