Shohreh Aghdashloo is an Iranian-American actress celebrated for her compelling performances across film and television. Born Pari Vaziri-Tabar on May 11, 1952, in Tehran, Iran, she has garnered acclaim for her distinctive voice and powerful presence. Aghdashloo's career spans several decades and includes notable roles that have earned her critical recognition, including an Academy Award nomination and a Primetime Emmy Award.

Aghdashloo's early life was shaped by her family's rich cultural background. Her father, Anushiravan Vaziri-Tabar, was a prominent politician, while her mother, Effie al-Sadat, was an influential figure in her own right. Aghdashloo's passion for acting led her to pursue a career in the arts, and she made her film debut in the Iranian film Chess of the Wind in 1976. Following this, she starred in acclaimed films such as The Report and Sooteh Delan, which established her as one of Iran's leading actresses, even as these works were later banned in her home country.

The Iranian Revolution in 1979 prompted Aghdashloo to relocate to England and eventually to the United States, where she became a naturalized citizen. In the early years of her career in America, Aghdashloo faced challenges in finding significant roles, often relegated to smaller parts in television and film. However, her breakthrough came in 2003 with her outstanding performance in House of Sand and Fog, where she portrayed Nadi. This role not only won her several film critics' awards but also earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Throughout her career, Aghdashloo has continued to build an impressive filmography. She appeared in The Exorcism of Emily Rose in 2005 and had roles in X-Men: The Last Stand and The Nativity Story, both released in 2006. Her versatility as an actress is further demonstrated by her performance in The Odd Life of Timothy Green in 2013 and Star Trek Beyond in 2016.

In television, Aghdashloo is widely recognized for her roles as Dina Araz in the critically acclaimed series 24 and as Chrisjen Avasarala in the sci-fi series The Expanse, which aired from 2015 to 2022. Her portrayal of Sajida Talfah in the HBO miniseries House of Saddam in 2008 earned her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, further establishing her as a force in the industry.

In addition to her acting career, Aghdashloo authored her autobiography, titled [i=The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines], published in 2013. She has continued to engage with audiences through voice work, lending her voice to the character Grayson in the Netflix animated series Arcane in 2021. In 2024, Aghdashloo is set to voice an unnamed dragon in the Netflix film Damsel, and she also voices Roshan in the video game Assassin's Creed Mirage, released in 2023.

With a career marked by resilience and talent, Shohreh Aghdashloo remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, admired for her contributions to both film and television. Her journey from the theaters of Tehran to the screens of Hollywood serves as an inspiring testament to her dedication and artistry.