Tony Mendez was a former American technical operations officer in CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) who joined the agency as an espionage artist and became the master of disguise and an expert in exfiltration. He is best known for orchestrating the rescue of six American diplomats from Iran in 1980 in a clandestine mission that came to be known as the ‘Canadian Caper’. The mission inspired the 2012 Hollywood movie, ‘Argo’ where Ben Affleck played the role of Mendez. Tony Mendez served the CIA for 25 years and after retirement continued to work as an artist. He also dedicated his time to write down four nonfiction books based on his experiences in the agency. He received numerous awards for his work and achievements. After suffering from Parkinson disease for more than a decade, he breathed his last in Maryland.
