He graduated in 1974 from the course of Adil Isgandarov at the film acting faculty of the Institute of Arts, and since 1976 has worked as an actor and director at Azerbaijanfilm. He has created major and minor characters in more than 50 films produced by Azerbaijanfilm. He has also appeared in films produced by Belarusfilm, Mosfilm, Iranfilm and American production companies. Having found his way into audiences' hearts with the distinctive characters he has created, the actor also does voice work in dubbed films. He is closely involved in the training of young actors. He has also worked as a director on films made by the renowned film director Vagif Mustafayev. Alongside his film career he currently also works in television. He is married; his son Ilkin Namazov also works as an actor. Zilli Namazov passed away from cancer on 27 December 2021 in the city of Baku.
