Born in Tehran, in 1952, to an accountant father, Shohreh Aghdashloo started her acting career with smaller Theater Workshops in her hometown where she participated in various plays. She was part of the Drama Workshop of Tehran where new areas of theatre were always tested out. The group was formed by a group of young actors, intellectuals and playwrights among whom were Bijan Saffaree and Abbas Na'lbandian. At 25, Aghdashloo left for London, to earn a degree in International Relations. In Britain, she continued her life-long passion, which was still acting. Throughout her early years, Aghdashloo used theatre as a medium and place to learn acting and hone her skills for the big screen.

Shohreh Aghdashloo's Iranian feature film debut was in the movie Gozaresh, which premiered in 1977. The movie was directed by Abbas Kia-Rostami whose later films such as Through the Olive Tree and Taste of Cherry have captivated audiences worldwide. Her second film she acted in, Shatranje bad was released first in 1976. Aghdashloo went on to participate in her third filrm, Sooteh-Delan which came out in. This movies was directed by the legendary Iranian Writer/Director, Ali Hatami whose memorable Period Piece movies such as Soltan-e Saheb Gheran and Hezar Dastaan contributed significantly to raising the awareness of Iran's past hundred years of history. Aghdashloo, taking the role of a hired prostitute, appeared opposite famed Behrooz Vosooghi. In 1978, Aghdashloo left for Britain. There she completed her studies and acted in various theatre productions.

In 1987, Aghdashloo moved to Los Angeles to command a bigger Farsi speaking audience. There she met her husband, actor and playwright Houshang Touzie. She continued her work in plays and theatre. One of the best known plays has been her husband's Sweet Smell of Love (Booyeh Khosh-e Eshgh) which became an instant hit with audiences everywhere. This heart-felt play is about the immigrant family life. While acting in this play, Aghdashloo also took smaller roles in Hollywood films, including America So Beautiful and Surviving Paradise. If she was waiting for the right role, then her chance came with her next film.

Aghdashloo's big Hollywood break came with her role in the movie The House of Sand and Fog (2003). She starred opposite acclaimed actor Ben Kingsley and Jennifer Connelly. The movie depicts the story of an Iranian family who has moved to America and is trying to make end's meet. For her role in this film, Aghdashloo was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actress category. She is the first Iranian to be honored with such a nomination at the Academy Awards. Today, Aghdashloo continues acting with her husband in their co-written plays. Touzie's sequel to the first play. Our Share of the Father's House, continues to draw crowd and please audiences. 

Credit: persianmirror.com