Shohreh Aghdashloo

Shohreh Aghdashloo (Persian: شهره آغداشلو, born 11 May 1952 in Tehran, Persia (Iran) is a Los Angeles-based, Persian actress and self-proclaimed activist. She is outspoken against her native Iran's current regime.

Related Topics:
Persian - 11 May - 1952 - Tehran - Persia (Iran) - Los Angeles - Persian - Actress

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Aghdashloo was born Shohreh Vaziri-Tabar (Aghdashloo is the name of her former husband, famous Persian painter Aydin Aghdashloo), to a wealthy family in 1953. She entered acting school at a young age, and acted at the age of 20 in some movies in her native Persia (Iran) like The Report, which was directed by the director Abbas Kiarostami.

Related Topics:
1953 - Abbas Kiarostami

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After the 1979 Revoluton, she left Iran for England, where she finished her education. Her interest in politics and social justice drove her to earn a Bachelor's degree in International Relations.

Related Topics:
1979 Revoluton - England - Social justice - Bachelor's degree - International Relations

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She was one of the nominees for the Oscar in 2004 for the category of Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The award was won by Renée Zellweger, though many say that Aghdashloo deserved the award. Many of her compatriots believe her nomination was more political than artistic.

Related Topics:
Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Renée Zellweger

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During the fourth season of 24, Aghdashloo had a recurring role as a Muslim terrorist, in a storyline that raised controversy among Iranian-American (and even Arab) communities. In an interview with TIME magazine, she stated that although she had previously resisted reinforcing the stereotype of Muslims as terrorists, the strength and complexity of the role convinced her to accept the part. However, her role in the series 24 has brought about a lot of resentment among her fellow Iranians who are offended by her dipicting of them as terrorists.

Related Topics:
24 - Muslim - TIME

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Despite the different views on the storyline, her role of Dina Araz, and her performance, was an instant hit with viewers and her character's offscreen death — although confirmed by the producers — has many fans hoping, and coming up with conspiracy theories, for her to come back.

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She is married to Persian theatre actor and director Hooshang Tozi.

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