Shohreh Aghdashloo’s Triumphant Return to the Theater Stage in 2024

Early Career and Emigration

Aghdashloo began her illustrious career on stage, captivating audiences with her performances. She made her film debut in “Chess of the Wind” (1976) and continued to impress with critically acclaimed roles in “The Report” (1977) and “Sooteh Delan” (1977). Despite the acclaim, these films faced bans in Iran. The Iranian Revolution in 1979 prompted Aghdashloo to move to England and later to the United States, where she became a U.S. citizen.

Rise to Prominence

In the United States, Aghdashloo initially took on small roles in television and film. Her breakout role came in 2003 with “House of Sand and Fog,” where her powerful performance earned her numerous film critics’ awards and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This role marked the beginning of her rise to prominence in Hollywood.

Notable Film Roles

Aghdashloo’s filmography is diverse and impressive. She appeared in “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” (2005), “X-Men: The Last Stand” (2006), “The Nativity Story” (2006), “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” (2013), and “Star Trek Beyond” (2016). Each role showcased her versatility and depth as an actress.

Television Success

On television, Aghdashloo is best known for her role as Dina Araz in the fourth season of “24” and as Chrisjen Avasarala in “The Expanse” (2015–2022). Her portrayal of Sajida Talfah in the HBO miniseries “House of Saddam” (2008) earned her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie. In 2021, she lent her voice to Grayson in Netflix’s series “Arcane” and in 2024, she voiced the unnamed dragon in the Netflix film “Damsel.”