Yusif Valiyev was born in Derbent. He studied at the Baku Theater Technical School (1933-1936). During his student years, he appeared on public stages and in silent roles in the performances of the National Drama Theater. Without knowing the language, he played several roles at the Jewish State Drama Theater, memorizing the words. When he graduated from the technical school, he was sent to work at the newly opened Nukha (now Sheki) State Drama Theater. He began his professional acting career in 1936 at the Sheki Drama Theater. In 1949, he acted for a very short time at the Russian Drama Theater. He was associated with the Young Spectator Theater until the end of his life (1949-1980). Possessing an unusual stage speech, a performer of dramatic-psychological roles, with his rich creativity he created an acting school at the Young Spectator Theater.

He also worked in the field of dubbing and voice-over.

Honored Artist (1960), People's Artist (1979) Yusif Valiyev died in 1980 and was buried in the Gurd Kapisi cemetery.

Actor Yusif Valiyev was the husband of actress Zemfira Sadigova.