Shohreh Aghdashloo

Shohreh Aghdashloo is an acclaimed Iranian-American actress known for her distinctive voice and powerful dramatic performances. She made history as the first Iranian actress to receive an Academy Award nomination for her role in House of Sand and Fog (2003), and has since become one of the most prominent Iranian actresses in Hollywood.

Born in Tehran, Aghdashloo was a major star in pre-revolutionary Iran before fleeing the country in 1979. She rebuilt her career in England and the United States, eventually breaking through to international audiences. Her journey mirrors the experience of many Iranian artists displaced by political upheaval.

In political thrillers, Aghdashloo has played significant roles exploring Middle Eastern conflicts. She appeared in The Stoning of Soraya M. (2008) and has taken on numerous roles representing Iranian and Middle Eastern women in Hollywood. Her voice work in video games and animation has made her iconic in the sci-fi genre, particularly in Mass Effect and Destiny.

She won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Dina Araz in 24 (2005), playing a terrorist sleeper agent. More recently, she starred as Chrisjen Avasarala in The Expanse (2015-2022), earning widespread acclaim for her commanding presence. Aghdashloo is also an outspoken human rights activist, particularly regarding Iran.