Epy Kusnandar (born in Garut on May 1, 1964 – December 3, 2025) was an Indonesian actor who began his artistic journey in the world of theater during his school years. His interest in the performing arts led him to pursue studies at the Jakarta Institute of Arts (IKJ) in 1989, where he became active in various theater groups such as Pantomim Sena Didi and Theater Aristokrat. His extensive experience on the theatrical stage became an important foundation for his strong and distinctive acting style. Epy later entered the television industry in the mid-1990s through the sitcom 1 Kakak 7 Ponakan and various other entertainment programs, including his involvement in a comedy group that once became the icon of a cigarette brand. He subsequently appeared in numerous television productions, one of which was Kejar Kusnadi, a show that further introduced his name to the wider public. His career continued to grow as he ventured into films and television movies (FTV), but the peak of his popularity came from his portrayal of Muslihat, or “Kang Mus,” in the series Preman Pensiun. The character became strongly associated with him and established Epy as one of the most recognizable character actors in Indonesia. In his personal life, Epy had been married twice. From his first marriage, he had two children, and his marriage to Karina Ranau in 2008 was blessed with a son. Alongside his long career, he also faced significant health challenges after being reported to have a brain tumor and undergoing recovery through alternative treatment. On the other hand, Epy’s life was not free from controversy. In 2024, he drew public attention after being arrested by the police for an alleged marijuana-related case, an incident that surprised many given his image as a long-established senior actor. Despite this, Epy remained known as a figure who contributed greatly to Indonesia’s performing arts. His life journey—marked by dedication, challenges, and ups and downs—reveals the human side of a public figure striving to maintain his career while navigating the complexities of his personal life.
