Shohreh Aghdashloo
Actor
About Shohreh Aghdashloo
Shohreh Aghdashloo is an Iranian-American actress who began her career in Iranian cinema during the 1970s. She made her film debut in Abbas Kiarostami's 'The Report' (Gozaresh) in 1977, which marked the beginning of her distinguished acting career. Following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, she continued acting in Iran before eventually relocating to the United States in the late 1980s. Her breakthrough in Western cinema came with her powerful performance in 'House of Sand and Fog' (2003), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She has since appeared in numerous Hollywood films and television series, including 'X-Men: The Last Stand' and '24'. Aghdashloo is known for her commanding presence and ability to portray complex, strong-willed characters with remarkable depth and authenticity.
The Craft
On Screen
Known for her intense, naturalistic acting style with remarkable emotional depth and authenticity. She brings a commanding presence to her roles, often portraying strong, complex female characters with dignity and resilience. Her performances are characterized by subtle facial expressions and powerful vocal delivery.
Milestones
- Film debut in 'The Report' (1977)
- Academy Award nomination for 'House of Sand and Fog' (2003)
- Emmy Award nomination for '24' (2009)
- Published memoir 'The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines' (2013)
- Starred in 'The Stoning of Soraya M' (2008)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (2004)
- Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female (2004)
- Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress (2004)
Nominated
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (2004)
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (2009)
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (2004)
Special Recognition
- Crystal Simorgh for Best Actress (1977)
- Hollywood Film Festival Award for Best Supporting Actress (2003)
- Women in Film Crystal Award (2014)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Shohreh Aghdashloo broke significant barriers as one of the first Iranian actresses to achieve mainstream success in Hollywood. Her Academy Award nomination opened doors for Middle Eastern actors in Western cinema and helped challenge stereotypes about women from the region. She has been a trailblazer for Iranian and Middle Eastern representation in international film and television.
Lasting Legacy
Aghdashloo's legacy lies in her ability to bridge Eastern and Western cinema, bringing authenticity and depth to roles that might otherwise have been stereotyped. She has paved the way for greater diversity in Hollywood and demonstrated that stories from the Middle East can resonate with global audiences. Her memoir and public speaking have further established her as a cultural ambassador and voice for women's rights.
Who They Inspired
She has inspired a generation of Middle Eastern actors to pursue careers in international cinema, proving that talent transcends cultural boundaries. Her success has encouraged Hollywood to cast more authentically in roles depicting Middle Eastern characters and has contributed to more nuanced portrayals of Iranian culture and society in Western media.
Off Screen
Shohreh Aghdashloo was married to Iranian painter Aydin Aghdashloo from 1972 to 1980. She later moved to England and then the United States, where she met and married her current husband, playwright and actor Houshang Touzie, in 1987. The couple has one daughter together. She has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights and has used her platform to raise awareness about social and political issues affecting Iran.
Education
Studied at the University of Tehran's Faculty of Fine Arts, majoring in dramatic arts
Family
- Aydin Aghdashloo (1972-1980)
- Houshang Touzie (1987-present)
Did You Know?
- Was the first Iranian actress to be nominated for an Academy Award
- Her birth name was Shohreh Vaziri-Tabar
- Studied architecture before switching to dramatic arts
- Was a political activist during her youth in Iran
- Has performed in both Farsi and English-language productions
- Her memoir was published in multiple languages
- Has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
- Was initially rejected for 'House of Sand and Fog' due to being 'too beautiful' for the role
- Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Continues to be an outspoken critic of the Iranian government
In Their Own Words
I don't believe in typecasting. I believe in good acting.
Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.
I'm an actress. I'm not a politician. But I have a voice, and I have to use it.
Success is not just about what you accomplish in your life, it's about what you inspire others to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Shohreh Aghdashloo?
Shohreh Aghdashloo is an Iranian-American actress who began her career in Iranian cinema with 'The Report' (1977) and later achieved international fame, particularly for her Oscar-nominated role in 'House of Sand and Fog' (2003). She is a trailblazer for Middle Eastern representation in Hollywood.
What films is Shohreh Aghdashloo best known for?
She is best known for 'The Report' (1977), 'House of Sand and Fog' (2003), 'The Stoning of Soraya M' (2008), 'X-Men: The Last Stand' (2006), and her television work in '24'.
When was Shohreh Aghdashloo born?
Shohreh Aghdashloo was born on May 11, 1952, in Tehran, Iran. She is still alive and continues to act.
What awards did Shohreh Aghdashloo win?
She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for 'House of Sand and Fog' (2003), making her the first Iranian actress to achieve this honor. She has also won Independent Spirit Awards and Satellite Awards.
What was Shohreh Aghdashloo's acting style?
Her acting style is characterized by intense naturalism, emotional depth, and a commanding presence. She excels at portraying complex, strong-willed characters with authenticity and dignity, using subtle expressions and powerful vocal delivery.
Learn More
Films
1 film
