Born in Tehran, Iran. Aghdashloo has been a major stage and screen star for more than 30 years, beginning in her native Iran where she started acting at the age of 20. Following numerous starring roles on the stage, she was offered her first film role in SHATRANJE BAD (loosely translated "Chess with the Wind", 1976), directed by Mohammad Reza Aslani, which screened at several film festivals. Her next film was FARYAD-E ZIE-E AB / "The Cry Under Water" (1977), written and directed by Sirus Alvand. She followed this with GOZARESH / "The Report" (1977) for renowned director Abbass Kiarostami, which won the Critics Award at the Moscow Film Festival. Unfortunately, SHATRANJE BAD and GOZARESH were banned in her home country, but in 1978, Aghdashloo won acclaim for her performance in SOOTEH-DELAN/ "Desiderium", directed by the late Iranian filmmaker Ali Hatami, which established her as one of Iran's leading actresses. During the 1978 Islamic Revolution, Aghdashloo left Iran for England, where she achieved her longtime ambition to complete her education. Her interest in politics and her concern for social injustice in the world led her to earn a B.A. degree in International Relations. She continued to pursue her acting career, however, which eventually brought her to Los Angeles. In 1987, Aghdashloo married the actor/playwright Houshang Touzie. She has since performed in a number of his plays, successfully taking them to national and international stages, primarily in the Iranian community. Other notable screen credits include GUESTS OF HOTEL ASTORIA (1989), TWENTY BUCKS (1993), MARYAM and SURVIVING PARADISE (both 2000), AMERICA SO BEAUTIFUL (2001) and HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG (2003). Recent projects include a recurring role as Dr Adani on the first season of "24" (2005), THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE (2005), AMERICAN DRAMZ, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, THE LAKE HOUSE and THE NATIVITY STORY (all 2006), a regular role on the TV series "Smith" (2006-07), and THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2, "Between Two Rivers" (TV mini-series), and THE RHYTHM OF CHAOS (all scheduled for release in 2008).  Nominated for Actress in a Supporting Role 2003: HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG 1 nomination