On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Shohreh Aghdashloo.  We explore Shohreh’s journey from Iran to Hollywood, which is as captivating as her performances.  Shohreh shares her early defiance against cultural norms and her celebrated career milestones, including her Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning roles.  We discuss her parts in "The Expanse," "24," "Star Trek," “Renfield,” “X-Men” and her role as the voice of the dragon in the Netflix movie, “Damsel.” Shohreh recounts her courageous escape from Iran during the 1978 revolution and the support of her husband in her pursuit of acting.  We explore the societal expectations of Iranian women and the cultural influences that shaped her path, all against the backdrop of political upheaval.  Shohreh brings context and insight to the quiet but persistent movement for change in Iran and the personal experiences that resonate with Shohreh's family, offering a window into the lives of women in a rapidly evolving country. We discuss the nuances of bringing complex characters to life, as well as the challenges that come with controversial roles, as Shohreh discusses the backlash from her portrayal of a terrorist in "24."  We also touch on her experiences working with Hollywood icons, such as Ben Kingsley, Nicolas Cage and more.  This episode explores a dynamic tapestry of life lessons, laughter, and the simple joys of storytelling, with one of Hollywood’s most intriguing personalities. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 0:06:21 - Religion and Power in Film 0:09:01 - Escape From Iranian Revolution 0:13:53 - The Influence of Western Films 0:23:58 - Iranian Women's Empowerment and Evolution 0:24:24 - Audition Experience For Academy Award Winning Role 0:29:16 - The Expanse 0:37:27 - Praise for TV Show Characters 0:42:05 - Acting, Stories, and Future Projects 0:43:07 - Portraying Multi-Layered Characters as an Actor 0:49:27 - Exploring The Character Avasarala from The Expanse 0:54:30 - Cooking Show During COVID 1:06:07 - Working With Keanu Reeves and Creativity 1:17:25 - Acting, Imagination, and Life Lessons Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app.  Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at  www.storyandcraftpod.com