Amazon Prime Video’s House of David is already making waves for its sweeping biblical storytelling, cinematic production, and powerful performances, but one standout comes from north of the border. Canadian-based actor Raresh DiMofte brings both muscle and mystique to the screen in his role as Lahmi, the brother of Goliath and one of the Philistine giants standing in the way of David’s rise to power.
With a career rooted in Eastern European theatre and sharpened on North American film sets, DiMofte channels his dramatic training and athletic background into a performance that is both grounded and mythic.
About House of David
At its core, House of David is a bold reimagining of one of the most iconic stories in Judeo-Christian history: the rise of King David. Created by filmmaker Jon Erwin and produced under The Wonder Project in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, the series premiered on February 27, 2025, with the first three episodes dropping on Prime Video and new episodes rolling out weekly through early April.
Set in 1000 BC Israel, the show charts David’s extraordinary transformation from humble shepherd to anointed king, all while navigating political turmoil, divine prophecy, and brutal battlefield confrontations. The series doesn’t just stick to the Sunday school version of events — it leans into the drama, moral complexity, and human emotion behind each biblical chapter.
Actor Michael Iskander takes on the central role of David, with Martyn Ford portraying the colossal Goliath. The cast also includes Stephen Lang, Ali Suliman, Ayelet Zurer, Indy Lewis, and Ethan Kai, forming a diverse and globally-minded ensemble.
Shot on location in Greece, House of David captures a rugged, ancient aesthetic while staying true to the religious and historical source material. It’s no surprise that the series has drawn praise not only for its production quality and visual design but also for its faithful representation of Jewish traditions and the biblical narrative.
Though steeped in scripture, the show is aimed at a wide audience, religious or not. Its storytelling approach focuses on universal themes like identity, power, sacrifice, and purpose, which helps it connect with viewers far beyond those familiar with the Book of Samuel.
Raresh DiMofte
Though House of David is grounded in ancient times, its cast is thoroughly international, and one of its most compelling performers is Raresh DiMofte, a Romanian-born, Canadian-based actor whose path to the screen has been anything but ordinary.
Raised in a family of professional athletes, Raresh grew up surrounded by discipline, performance, and a deep respect for craft, albeit in the sporting world. His father, Costel Dimofte, is a weightlifting coach and international referee, and young Raresh spent his early years immersed in swimming, rugby, kayaking, and handball.
Yet despite a future that seemed headed toward sports, his life took a major turn in high school when he discovered acting — a discovery that sparked a passion strong enough to redirect his entire path.
After earning a Master’s degree in Drama from Romania’s Babeș-Bolyai University, Raresh went on to build a thriving acting career in Bucharest before relocating to North America with his wife in 2010.
Since then, he’s steadily worked his way into the film and television industry, landing roles in productions like Van Helsing, Wu Assassins, The Man in the High Castle, The 100, Grendel, and Come to Daddy — sharing screen time with stars like Shirley MacLaine, Elijah Wood, and Kim Coates.
DiMofte isn’t just a performer; he’s a multi-hyphenate talent. As co-founder of Bad Icon Production$, he’s been actively involved in the indie scene as a writer, director, and producer.
His short film Frailness was even negotiated for distribution at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014. He’s also a dedicated supporter of the creative community, regularly volunteering with Raindance Vancouver as an event coordinator and mentoring other indie filmmakers.
Bringing Lahmi to Life
In House of David, Raresh DiMofte takes on the role of Lahmi, a lesser-known but deeply intriguing figure drawn straight from biblical texts. Mentioned in 1 Chronicles 20:5, Lahmi is described as the brother of Goliath, a Philistine warrior and one of the last of the Nephilim — the giant descendants of the Anakim.
As part of the Philistine resistance against David, Lahmi’s presence in the series adds mythic weight and physical menace to the already high-stakes power struggle unfolding between the House of Saul and David’s destined rise.
DiMofte’s portrayal leans into this complexity. With his athletic background and theatre training, he brings both physical intimidation and emotional resonance to the screen. Lahmi’s rage, pride, and desperation aren’t just reactions — they’re rooted in a culture and legacy that’s being threatened by the rise of Israel’s new king.
Wrapping Up
Raresh DiMofte’s turn as Lahmi in House of David is more than just another credit in a growing résumé — it’s a showcase of everything he brings to the table as a performer. From his athletic roots to his artistic curiosity, from indie cinema to epic-scale biblical drama, DiMofte proves he can hold his own in any arena.
As House of David continues to unfold, fans of historical epics and powerful character work alike will find plenty to admire in his performance. Whether you’re tuning in for the action, the faith-based storytelling, or the rich ensemble cast, keep an eye on Lahmi — and the actor who’s making this ancient giant unforgettable.