Shohreh Aghdashloo’s Triumphant Return to the Theater Stage in 2024
Shohreh Aghdashloo’s triumphant return to the theater stage is a remarkable event in the world of performing arts. Shohreh Aghdashloo, an acclaimed Iranian actress, has had an illustrious career spanning film and television, earning numerous accolades including a Primetime Emmy Award and an Academy Award nomination. Her recent comeback to the theater stage is a testament to her enduring talent and passion for acting.
Shohreh 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.
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.
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.
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.”
Born Shohreh Vaziri-Tabar in Tehran, Aghdashloo was the daughter of Effie (née alSadat) and Anushiravan Vaziri-Tabar. She has three brothers: Shahram, Shahriar, and Shahrokh. Her stage name comes from her first husband, painter Aydin Aghdashloo. Their marriage in 1972 led her to theatre workshops, against her family’s wishes. Despite the opposition, she pursued her passion for acting and became a leading figure in Iranian theatre and film. After their divorce in 1979, she left Iran for England.
In England, Aghdashloo earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Brunel University. This academic pursuit was driven by her interest in politics after leaving Iran. She continued to act, eventually moving to Los Angeles and performing in plays within the Iranian diaspora.
Aghdashloo, born to a Muslim family, identifies as non-practicing. Her career and personal journey reflect her resilience and dedication to her craft.
Aghdashloo’s recent work includes starring in Amazon Prime Video’s acclaimed series “The Expanse” as Chrisjen Avasarala, a role that has garnered significant praise. Her voice work in video games like “Mass Effect 2,” “Mass Effect 3,” “Destiny,” “Destiny 2,” and “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” further showcases her talent. Additionally, she starred in the London revival of “The House of Bernarda Alba” and narrated the audiobook “And the Mountains Echoed” by Khaled Hosseini.
Shohreh Aghdashloo’s triumphant return to the theater stage is more than just a performance; it is a celebration of her enduring legacy and a new chapter in her remarkable career. Her return to the stage, especially alongside esteemed actors like Tony Shalhoub, marks a significant milestone that fans and theater enthusiasts eagerly anticipate.
