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Shohreh Aghdashloo

Shohreh Aghdashloo (Persian: شهره آغداشلو, born 11 May 1953 in Tehran, Iran) is a Los Angeles-based, Iranian actress and self-proclaimed activist. She is outspoken against her native Iran's current regime.

Aghdashloo was born to a wealthy family in 1953. She entered acting school at a young age, and reached stardom at the age of 20 in her native Iran after starring in a prominent role in the movie The Report, which was directed by the famous director Abbass Kiarostami , and her performance won critics' awards at the Moscow Film Festival . She won even further acclaim and established her position as one of Iran's most prominent leading ladies in 1978 after starring in the movie Sooteh Delan (Broken Hearts), directed by Ali Hatami .

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 Bachelors' degree in International Relations, however her political activity has made her an exile in her own country.


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.

During the fourth season of 24, Aghdashloo had a recurring role as a Muslim terrorist, in a storyline that raised controversy among Arab-American 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.

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.

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

Last updated: 08-25-2005 06:21:49