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{{Short description|Iranian-American Actress and singer (born 1985)}}
{{Short description|Iranian-American actress and singer}}
{{BLP primary sources|date=June 2022}}
{{BLP primary sources|date=June 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Sepideh Moafi
| name = Sepideh Moafi
| image =
| image =
| imagesize =
| imagesize =
| caption =
| caption =
| birthname =
| birthname =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|09|18}}
| birth_date = <!-- Do NOT add an exact DOB unless sourced to a [[WP:RS]] -->
| birth_place = [[Regensburg]], [[Bavaria]], Germany
| birth_place = [[Regensburg]], [[Bavaria]], Germany
| occupation = {{flatlist|
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* Actor
* Actor
* singer }}
* singer}}
| yearsactive = 2013–present
| years_active = 2013–present
| notable_works =
| notable_works =
| alma_mater =
| alma_mater =
| spouse =
| spouse =
| children =
| children =
| awards =
| awards =
}}
}}


'''Sepideh Moafi''' ({{lang-fa|سپیده معافی}}; born September 18, 1985) is an Iranian-American actress and singer. She is best known for her roles in ''[[The Deuce (TV series)|The Deuce]]'' (2017–2019), ''[[The L Word: Generation Q]]'' (2019–2023), and ''[[Black Bird (miniseries)|Black Bird]]'' (2022).
'''Sepideh Moafi''' ({{langx|fa|سپیده معافی}};) is an Iranian-American actress and singer. She is best known for her roles in ''[[The Deuce (TV series)|The Deuce]]'' (2017–2019), ''[[The L Word: Generation Q]]'' (2019–2023), and ''[[Black Bird (miniseries)|Black Bird]]'' (2022).


==Early life==
==Early life==
Moafi was born on September 18, 1985, in a refugee camp in Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|title=Belonging: From Refugee to Hollywood with Sepideh Moafi|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAnduTGR7fo|language=en|access-date=September 29, 2021}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Sepideh Moafi Opens Up About Being Born in a Refugee Camp, Why She Wants to Help Other Immigrants|url=https://people.com/tv/sepideh-moafi-opens-up-about-being-born-refugee-camp-helping-other-immigrants/|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=PEOPLE.com|language=en}}</ref> Prior to her birth, her parents fled Iran after the Islamic Revolution. After two years in Turkey and then Germany, where Moafi's parents sought political asylum and claimed refugee status, Moafi's family were granted visas to move to the United States.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
Moafi was born in a refugee camp in [[Regensburg]], [[Bavaria]], Germany.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|title=Belonging: From Refugee to Hollywood with Sepideh Moafi| date=February 4, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAnduTGR7fo|language=en|access-date=September 29, 2021}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Sepideh Moafi Opens Up About Being Born in a Refugee Camp, Why She Wants to Help Other Immigrants|url=https://people.com/tv/sepideh-moafi-opens-up-about-being-born-refugee-camp-helping-other-immigrants/|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=people.com|language=en}}</ref> Prior to her birth, her parents fled Iran after the [[Iranian Revolution|Islamic Revolution]]. After two years in Turkey and then Germany, where Moafi's parents sought political asylum and claimed refugee status, Moafi's family were granted visas to move to the United States.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
Moafi is an American citizen.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Solis|first=Jose|date=April 9, 2018|title=Sepideh Moafi is a Master at Subverting Seduction and Sex; Interview: Sepideh Moafi on 'One Thousand Nights and One Day'|url=https://stagebuddy.com/theater/theater-feature/interview-sepideh-moafi-on-one-thousand-nights-and-one-day|website=StageBuddy}}</ref>
Moafi is an American citizen.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Solis|first=Jose|date=April 9, 2018|title=Sepideh Moafi is a Master at Subverting Seduction and Sex; Interview: Sepideh Moafi on 'One Thousand Nights and One Day'|url=https://stagebuddy.com/theater/theater-feature/interview-sepideh-moafi-on-one-thousand-nights-and-one-day|website=StageBuddy}}</ref>


During her childhood years, she studied opera and was later pulled into musical theatre and jazz.<ref name=":2" /> Moafi started singing at 15 years old and within a year had a full scholarship to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music,<ref name=":2" /> where she graduated in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crossover Star Sepideh Moafi '07 Turns Big Dreams into Reality|url=https://sfcm.edu/newsroom/crossover-star-sepideh-moafi-07-turns-big-dreams-reality|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=sfcm.edu|language=en}}</ref> Moafi attended the University of California Irvine to study acting where she later graduated with an MFA in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sepideh Moafi Booked a Role in Notorious {{!}} Claire Trevor School of the Arts {{!}} UC Irvine|url=https://www.arts.uci.edu/sepideh-moafi-booked-role-notorious|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=www.arts.uci.edu}}</ref>
During her childhood years, she studied opera and was later pulled into musical theatre and jazz.<ref name=":2" /> Moafi started singing at 15 years old and within a year had a full scholarship to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music,<ref name=":2" /> where she graduated in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crossover Star Sepideh Moafi '07 Turns Big Dreams into Reality|url=https://sfcm.edu/newsroom/crossover-star-sepideh-moafi-07-turns-big-dreams-reality|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=sfcm.edu|language=en}}</ref> Moafi attended the University of California Irvine to study acting where she later graduated with an MFA in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sepideh Moafi Booked a Role in Notorious {{!}} Claire Trevor School of the Arts {{!}} UC Irvine|url=https://www.arts.uci.edu/sepideh-moafi-booked-role-notorious|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=www.arts.uci.edu|date=March 11, 2016}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
In 2013, Moafi had her first on-screen credit in a guest-starring role as Aaliya Zaki in the tenth episode of season four of [[CBS]]'s ''[[Blue Bloods (TV series)|Blue Bloods]]''.
In 2013, Moafi had her first on-screen credit in a guest-starring role as Aaliya Zaki in the tenth episode of season four of [[CBS]]'s ''[[Blue Bloods (TV series)|Blue Bloods]]''.


In 2015, Moafi landed what would be her breakout role, a recurring role as Loretta in [[HBO]]'s ''[[The Deuce (TV series)|The Deuce]]'', an American drama television series created by [[David Simon]] and [[George Pelecanos]] set during the 1970s and 1980s and explored the stories of sex-workers in New York. Before filming the pilot, Simon met Moafi for a coffee date and explained to Moafi what ''The Deuce'' was going to be about and what her character's arc, Loretta, on the show was going to be. While her character on ''The Deuce'' had been planned early on, Moafi subsequently landed a lead role in ''[[Notorious (2016 TV series)|Notorious]]'' (a show which was to be filmed in Los Angeles) after meeting with Simon and before the pilot of ''The Deuce'' was filmed. Moafi wrote a letter to the executive producers of ''The Deuce'', Simon, Pelecanos and [[Nina Kostroff Noble]] hoping that they would still let her be a part of ''The Deuce'' despite her regular gig on ''Notorious''. The executive producers on ''The Deuce'' let Moafi continue to be a part of their show and worked around her schedule as ''The Deuce'' was mainly filmed in New York.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=You Might Know Her From: Sepideh Moafi on Apple Podcasts|url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sepideh-moafi/id1451464152?i=1000460040808|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Apple Podcasts|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Plitt|first=Amy|date=September 12, 2017|title=Mapping the NYC filming locations for HBO's '70s porn drama 'The Deuce'|url=https://ny.curbed.com/maps/the-deuce-hbo-new-york-times-square-filming-locations|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Curbed NY|language=en}}</ref> However, as a result, Loretta's arc could not be fulfilled as initially planned and had to go a different direction because of Moafi's scheduling conflicts<ref name=":3" /> and she was only in three episodes in the first season of ''The Deuce''.<ref name=":4">{{Citation|title="The Deuce" Star Sepideh Moafi Talks About The Final Season Of The HBO Series|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj4D_uvqyn4|language=en|access-date=September 29, 2021}}</ref> The pilot of ''The Deuce'' was shot in 2015<ref name=":4" /> and the first season was shot a year later.<ref name=":3" />
In 2015, Moafi landed what would be her breakout role, a recurring role as Loretta in [[HBO]]'s ''[[The Deuce (TV series)|The Deuce]]'', an American drama television series created by [[David Simon]] and [[George Pelecanos]] set during the 1970s and 1980s and explored the stories of sex-workers in New York. Before filming the pilot, Simon met Moafi for a coffee date and explained to Moafi what ''The Deuce'' was going to be about and what her character's arc, Loretta, on the show was going to be. While her character on ''The Deuce'' had been planned early on, Moafi subsequently landed a lead role in ''[[Notorious (2016 TV series)|Notorious]]'' (a show which was to be filmed in Los Angeles) after meeting with Simon and before the pilot of ''The Deuce'' was filmed. Moafi wrote a letter to the executive producers of ''The Deuce'', Simon, Pelecanos and [[Nina Kostroff Noble]] hoping that they would still let her be a part of ''The Deuce'' despite her regular gig on ''Notorious''. The executive producers on ''The Deuce'' let Moafi continue to be a part of their show and worked around her schedule as ''The Deuce'' was mainly filmed in New York.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=You Might Know Her From: Sepideh Moafi on Apple Podcasts|url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sepideh-moafi/id1451464152?i=1000460040808|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Apple Podcasts|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Plitt|first=Amy|date=September 12, 2017|title=Mapping the NYC filming locations for HBO's '70s porn drama 'The Deuce'|url=https://ny.curbed.com/maps/the-deuce-hbo-new-york-times-square-filming-locations|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Curbed NY|language=en}}</ref> However, as a result, Loretta's arc could not be fulfilled as initially planned and had to go a different direction because of Moafi's scheduling conflicts<ref name=":3" /> and she was only in three episodes in the first season of ''The Deuce''.<ref name=":4">{{Citation|title="The Deuce" Star Sepideh Moafi Talks About The Final Season Of The HBO Series| date=October 11, 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj4D_uvqyn4|language=en|access-date=September 29, 2021}}</ref> The pilot of ''The Deuce'' was shot in 2015<ref name=":4" /> and the first season was shot a year later.<ref name=":3" />


In 2016, Moafi starred as Megan Byrd on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''Notorious''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 21, 2016|title=EXCLUSIVE : NOTORIOUS Scoop: Interview with Sepideh Moafi {{!}} Seat42F|url=https://seat42f.com/exclusive-notorious-scoop-interview-with-sepideh-moafi/|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=seat42f.com|language=en-US}}</ref> The show is based on real-life criminal defense attorney [[Mark Geragos]] and ''[[Larry King Live]]'' news producer Wendy Walker. Moafi's character is a junior producer and booker on the fictional number one cable news show ''Louise Herrick Live'' and her character is considered to be the number-two to Julia George, played by [[Piper Perabo]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Sepideh Moafi interviewed at ABC's "Notorious" red carpet premiere screening #Notorious|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byHJwk_hZoI|language=en|access-date=September 29, 2021}}</ref> While the show originally landed a 13-episode first season, ABC cut the first season to 10 episodes and the show was cancelled by ABC after one season.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 12, 2017|title=Notorious: Cancelled; ABC Drama Officially Not Returning for Season Two|url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/notorious-cancelled-abc-no-season-two/|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=canceled + renewed TV shows - TV Series Finale|language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2016, Moafi starred as Megan Byrd on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''Notorious''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 21, 2016|title=Exclusive : Notorious Scoop: Interview with Sepideh Moafi {{!}} Seat42F|url=https://seat42f.com/exclusive-notorious-scoop-interview-with-sepideh-moafi/|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=seat42f.com|language=en-US}}</ref> The show is based on real-life criminal defense attorney [[Mark Geragos]] and ''[[Larry King Live]]'' news producer Wendy Walker. Moafi's character is a junior producer and booker on the fictional number one cable news show ''Louise Herrick Live'' and her character is considered to be the number-two to Julia George, played by [[Piper Perabo]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Sepideh Moafi interviewed at ABC's "Notorious" red carpet premiere screening #Notorious| date=September 21, 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byHJwk_hZoI|language=en|access-date=September 29, 2021}}</ref> While the show originally landed a 13-episode first season, ABC cut the first season to 10 episodes and the show was cancelled by ABC after one season.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 12, 2017|title=Notorious: Cancelled; ABC Drama Officially Not Returning for Season Two|url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/notorious-cancelled-abc-no-season-two/|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=canceled + renewed TV shows - TV Series Finale|language=en-US}}</ref>


After ''Notorious'' was cancelled, Moafi continued to appear in her recurring role as Loretta on ''The Deuce'', and her character was made a series regular in season 3, the final season. Moafi's character on ''The Deuce'' was initially a sex-worker working on the streets of New York and later became an anti-pornography activist,<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 9, 2019|title='Maggie Gyllenhaal Devours The Moment': Sepideh Moafi On HBO's 'The Deuce' & Showtime's 'L Word: Generation Q'|url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2019/09/09/sepideh-moafi-maggie-gyllenhaal-the-deuce-interview/|access-date=September 29, 2021|language=en-US}}</ref> which was one of the main reasons Moafi wanted to continue to be a part of ''The Deuce'' despite her scheduling conflicts.<ref name=":4" /> To prepare for her role as Loretta, Moafi did research into the history of New York by reading books such as pimp and sex workers' memoirs and studied vintage porn to help her understanding of the historical context that the show was set in.<ref name=":3" /> Moafi has stated that ''The Deuce'' has changed and influenced her relationship and view of the porn industry after the stories portrayed in the show.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Stagnitta|first=Ali|date=October 28, 2019|title='The Deuce' Finale: Sepideh Moafi Reveals How Loretta's Story Has Influenced Her View Of The Porn Industry|url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2019/10/28/the-deuce-finale-loretta-sepideh-moafi/|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Hollywood Life|language=en-US}}</ref>
After ''Notorious'' was cancelled, Moafi continued to appear in her recurring role as Loretta on ''The Deuce'', and her character was made a series regular in season 3, the final season. Moafi's character on ''The Deuce'' was initially a sex-worker working on the streets of New York and later became an anti-pornography activist,<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 9, 2019|title='Maggie Gyllenhaal Devours The Moment': Sepideh Moafi On HBO's 'The Deuce' & Showtime's 'L Word: Generation Q'|url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2019/09/09/sepideh-moafi-maggie-gyllenhaal-the-deuce-interview/|access-date=September 29, 2021|language=en-US}}</ref> which was one of the main reasons Moafi wanted to continue to be a part of ''The Deuce'' despite her scheduling conflicts.<ref name=":4" /> To prepare for her role as Loretta, Moafi did research into the history of New York by reading books such as pimp and sex workers' memoirs and studied vintage porn to help her understanding of the historical context that the show was set in.<ref name=":3" /> Moafi has stated that ''The Deuce'' has changed and influenced her relationship and view of the porn industry after the stories portrayed in the show.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Stagnitta|first=Ali|date=October 28, 2019|title='The Deuce' Finale: Sepideh Moafi Reveals How Loretta's Story Has Influenced Her View Of The Porn Industry|url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2019/10/28/the-deuce-finale-loretta-sepideh-moafi/|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Hollywood Life|language=en-US}}</ref>
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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Moafi adopted a puppy named Simone de Beauvoir in March 2019.

Moafi is an activist and works to support the [[International Rescue Committee]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=IRC Celebrity Ambassadors: Why I Support the IRC's Work With Refugees |url=https://www.rescue.org/irc-celebrity-ambassadors-why-i-support-ircs-work-refugees |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=International Rescue Committee (IRC) |language=en}}</ref>
Moafi is an activist and works to support the [[International Rescue Committee]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=IRC Celebrity Ambassadors: Why I Support the IRC's Work With Refugees |url=https://www.rescue.org/irc-celebrity-ambassadors-why-i-support-ircs-work-refugees |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=International Rescue Committee (IRC) |language=en}}</ref>


In 2019, Moafi penned a first person essay sharing her experience as a refugee.<ref name=":1" />
In 2019, Moafi penned a first person essay sharing her experience as a refugee.<ref name=":1" />


In 2021, Moafi was a special guest on ''Girls Write Now'', a writing and mentoring organisation for girls and gender-expansive teens. Moafi hosted a program titled "''Belonging: From Refugee to Hollywood''" as part of the Summer Salon series in February 2021."''<ref name=":0" />
In 2021, Moafi was a special guest on ''Girls Write Now'', a writing and mentoring organisation for girls and gender-expansive{{clarify|date=September 2024}} teens. Moafi hosted a program titled ''Belonging: From Refugee to Hollywood'' as part of the Summer Salon series in February 2021.<ref name=":0" />


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
=== Film ===
===Film===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style=font-size:100%
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! scope="col" | Year
! Year
! scope="col" | Title
! Title
! scope="col" | Role
! Role
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
! class="unsortable" | Notes
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
! class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
|-
! scope=row| 2010
| 2010
| ''Violet is Single''
| ''Violet is Single''
| Violet
| Violet
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|
|
|-
|-
! scope=row| 2014
| 2014
| ''Best Man in the Dark''
| ''Best Man in the Dark''
| Tereza Lopez
| Tereza Lopez
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|
|
|-
|-
! scope=row| 2017
| 2017
| ''Quest: The Truth Always Rises''
| ''Quest: The Truth Always Rises''
| Susan
| Susan
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|
|
|-
|-
! scope=row| 2018
| 2018
| ''[[The Arrangements]]''
| ''[[The Arrangements]]''
|
|
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|
|
|-
|-
! scope=row| 2020
| 2020
| ''[[The Killing of Two Lovers]]''
| ''[[The Killing of Two Lovers]]''
| Nikki
| Nikki
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|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-06 |title=Clayne Crawford & The Killing of Two Lovers Team on Their On-Set Family |url=https://collider.com/clayne-crawford-interview-the-killing-of-two-lovers/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-06 |title=Clayne Crawford & The Killing of Two Lovers Team on Their On-Set Family |url=https://collider.com/clayne-crawford-interview-the-killing-of-two-lovers/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope=row| 2023
| 2023
| ''[[I'll Be Right There]]''
| ''[[I'll Be Right There]]''
| TBA
| Sophie
|
|
|<ref>{{cite web|last=Grobar|first=Matt|title=Edie Falco To Topline Indie Comedy ‘I’ll Be Right There’ From ‘Nurse Jackie’ Helmer Brendan Walsh; Charlie Tahan, Jeannie Berlin, Bradley Whitford & More Also Set|date=December 7, 2022|website=Deadline Hollywood|url=https://deadline.com/2022/12/edie-falco-to-topline-comedy-ill-be-right-there-from-nurse-jackie-helmer-1235191437/|accessdate=October 13, 2023}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web|last=Grobar|first=Matt|title=Edie Falco To Topline Indie Comedy 'I'll Be Right There' From 'Nurse Jackie' Helmer Brendan Walsh; Charlie Tahan, Jeannie Berlin, Bradley Whitford & More Also Set|date=December 7, 2022|website=Deadline Hollywood|url=https://deadline.com/2022/12/edie-falco-to-topline-comedy-ill-be-right-there-from-nurse-jackie-helmer-1235191437/|accessdate=October 13, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
|{{TBA}}
| {{TableTBA}}
|''Wild Berries''
| ''Wild Berries''
| {{TableTBA}}
⚫
|
|Pre-production
| Pre-production
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barraclough |first=Leo |date=2023-05-10 |title='Wild Berries,' Starring Cannes Winner Shahab Hosseini, 'The L Word's' Sepideh Moafi, Picked Up by Grandave Intl. (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/global/wild-berries-shahab-hosseini-sepideh-moafi-grandave-1235608561/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=Variety}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barraclough |first=Leo |date=2023-05-10 |title='Wild Berries,' Starring Cannes Winner Shahab Hosseini, 'The L Word's' Sepideh Moafi, Picked Up by Grandave Intl. (Exclusive) |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/global/wild-berries-shahab-hosseini-sepideh-moafi-grandave-1235608561/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=Variety}}</ref>
|}
|}


===Television===
===Television===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style=font-size:100%
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! scope="col" | Year
! Year
! scope="col" | Title
! Title
! scope="col" | Role
! Role
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|-
! scope=row| 2013
| 2013
| ''[[Blue Bloods (TV series)|Blue Bloods]]''
| ''[[Blue Bloods (TV series)|Blue Bloods]]''
| Aaliya Zaki
| Aaliya Zaki
| Episode: "Mistaken Identity"
| Episode: "Mistaken Identity"
|-
|-
! rowspan="5" scope="row" | 2014
| rowspan="5"|2014
| ''[[Unforgettable (American TV series)|Unforgettable]]''
| ''[[Unforgettable (American TV series)|Unforgettable]]''
| Lisa Martinez
| Lisa Martinez
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| Episode: "Old Spice"
| Episode: "Old Spice"
|-
|-
|''Red Zone''
| ''Red Zone''
|Frida Moussaf
| Frida Moussaf
|Television film
| Television film
|-
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | 2015
| rowspan="3"|2015
| ''[[Forever (2014 TV series)|Forever]]''
| ''[[Forever (2014 TV series)|Forever]]''
| Melanie Sparo
| Melanie Sparo
Line 157: Line 155:
| Episode: "Side Effects May Include..."
| Episode: "Side Effects May Include..."
|-
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2016
| rowspan="2"|2016
| ''[[Elementary (TV series)|Elementary]]''
| ''[[Elementary (TV series)|Elementary]]''
| Sofia Darrow
| Sofia Darrow
Line 166: Line 164:
| Main role
| Main role
|-
|-
! scope=row| 2017–2019
| 2017–2019
| ''[[The Deuce (TV series)|The Deuce]]''
| ''[[The Deuce (TV series)|The Deuce]]''
| Loretta
| Loretta
| Recurring role (seasons 1–2); Main role (season 3)
| Recurring role (seasons 1–2); Main role (season 3)
|-
|-
! scope=row| 2019–2023
| 2019–2023
| ''[[The L Word: Generation Q]]''
| ''[[The L Word: Generation Q]]''
| Gigi Ghorbani
| Gigi Ghorbani
| Main role (seasons 1–2)
| Main role (seasons 1–2)
|-
|-
! scope=row| 2022
| 2022
| ''[[Black Bird (miniseries)|Black Bird]]''
| ''[[Black Bird (miniseries)|Black Bird]]''
| Lauren McCauley
| Lauren McCauley
|Main role<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tauer |first=Kristen |date=2022-07-11 |title=Sepideh Moafi Is on the Case in New Apple Series 'Black Bird' |url=https://wwd.com/eye/people/sepideh-moafi-black-bird-true-crime-apple-tv-1235248389/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref>
| Main role<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tauer |first=Kristen |date=2022-07-11 |title=Sepideh Moafi Is on the Case in New Apple Series 'Black Bird' |url=https://wwd.com/eye/people/sepideh-moafi-black-bird-true-crime-apple-tv-1235248389/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope=row|2023
| rowspan="2"|2023
|''[[Class of '09]]''
| ''[[Class of '09]]''
|Hour Nazari
| Hour Nazari
| Main role<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Petski |first1=Rosy Cordero,Denise |last2=Cordero |first2=Rosy |last3=Petski |first3=Denise |date=2021-11-10 |title='Class of '09': Raúl Castillo, Jake McDorman, Sepideh Moafi, Brian J. Smith Among 7 Cast In FX Limited Series |url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/class-of-09-raul-castillo-jake-mcdorman-sepideh-moafi-brian-j-smith-among-7-cast-in-fx-limited-series-1234871468/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
| Main role<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Petski |first1=Rosy Cordero,Denise |last2=Cordero |first2=Rosy |last3=Petski |first3=Denise |date=2021-11-10 |title='Class of '09': Raúl Castillo, Jake McDorman, Sepideh Moafi, Brian J. Smith Among 7 Cast In FX Limited Series |url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/class-of-09-raul-castillo-jake-mcdorman-sepideh-moafi-brian-j-smith-among-7-cast-in-fx-limited-series-1234871468/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
|-
| ''[[Scavengers Reign]]''
| Mia (voice)
| 3 episodes
|}
|}


== References ==
==References==


{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
==External links==
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{Instagram}}
* {{Instagram}}
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Latest revision as of 06:48, 26 December 2024

Sepideh Moafi
Born
Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
Occupations
  • Actor
  • singer
Years active2013–present

Sepideh Moafi (Persian: سپیده معافی;) is an Iranian-American actress and singer. She is best known for her roles in The Deuce (2017–2019), The L Word: Generation Q (2019–2023), and Black Bird (2022).

Early life

[edit]

Moafi was born in a refugee camp in Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany.[1][2] Prior to her birth, her parents fled Iran after the Islamic Revolution. After two years in Turkey and then Germany, where Moafi's parents sought political asylum and claimed refugee status, Moafi's family were granted visas to move to the United States.[1][2] Moafi is an American citizen.[3]

During her childhood years, she studied opera and was later pulled into musical theatre and jazz.[3] Moafi started singing at 15 years old and within a year had a full scholarship to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music,[3] where she graduated in 2007.[4] Moafi attended the University of California Irvine to study acting where she later graduated with an MFA in 2013.[5]

Career

[edit]

In 2013, Moafi had her first on-screen credit in a guest-starring role as Aaliya Zaki in the tenth episode of season four of CBS's Blue Bloods.

In 2015, Moafi landed what would be her breakout role, a recurring role as Loretta in HBO's The Deuce, an American drama television series created by David Simon and George Pelecanos set during the 1970s and 1980s and explored the stories of sex-workers in New York. Before filming the pilot, Simon met Moafi for a coffee date and explained to Moafi what The Deuce was going to be about and what her character's arc, Loretta, on the show was going to be. While her character on The Deuce had been planned early on, Moafi subsequently landed a lead role in Notorious (a show which was to be filmed in Los Angeles) after meeting with Simon and before the pilot of The Deuce was filmed. Moafi wrote a letter to the executive producers of The Deuce, Simon, Pelecanos and Nina Kostroff Noble hoping that they would still let her be a part of The Deuce despite her regular gig on Notorious. The executive producers on The Deuce let Moafi continue to be a part of their show and worked around her schedule as The Deuce was mainly filmed in New York.[6][7] However, as a result, Loretta's arc could not be fulfilled as initially planned and had to go a different direction because of Moafi's scheduling conflicts[6] and she was only in three episodes in the first season of The Deuce.[8] The pilot of The Deuce was shot in 2015[8] and the first season was shot a year later.[6]

In 2016, Moafi starred as Megan Byrd on ABC's Notorious.[9] The show is based on real-life criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos and Larry King Live news producer Wendy Walker. Moafi's character is a junior producer and booker on the fictional number one cable news show Louise Herrick Live and her character is considered to be the number-two to Julia George, played by Piper Perabo.[10] While the show originally landed a 13-episode first season, ABC cut the first season to 10 episodes and the show was cancelled by ABC after one season.[11]

After Notorious was cancelled, Moafi continued to appear in her recurring role as Loretta on The Deuce, and her character was made a series regular in season 3, the final season. Moafi's character on The Deuce was initially a sex-worker working on the streets of New York and later became an anti-pornography activist,[12] which was one of the main reasons Moafi wanted to continue to be a part of The Deuce despite her scheduling conflicts.[8] To prepare for her role as Loretta, Moafi did research into the history of New York by reading books such as pimp and sex workers' memoirs and studied vintage porn to help her understanding of the historical context that the show was set in.[6] Moafi has stated that The Deuce has changed and influenced her relationship and view of the porn industry after the stories portrayed in the show.[6][13]

While shooting the second season of The Deuce, Moafi starred in the role of Dahna in a musical off-Broadway One Thousand Nights and One Day which opened on April 15, 2018.[14][15] Moafi has stated that her career "started out in opera and then theater" and considers opera to "forever be a part of [her] artistic identity".[16]

In 2018, Moafi was cast as a series regular on and starred as Alexis Simms in season 2 of Falling Water.[17][18] Season 2 of Falling Water premiered in January 2018. Moafi's character was introduced as the new partner of NYPD detective Taka (played by Will Yun Lee) who later discovers the supernatural world in the show. In May 2018, USA Network announced the series' cancellation after its second season.

In 2019, Moafi was cast as Gigi Ghorbani on Showtime's The L Word: Generation Q, a sequel of the early 2000s lesbian classic The L Word.[19] Generation Q premiered on December 8, 2019.[20] At the beginning of season 1 of Generation Q, Moafi's character was introduced as the ex-wife of Natalie "Nat" Bailey (played by Stephanie Allynne) who is currently dating Alice Pieszecki (played by Leisha Hailey), a character that originated in The L Word. Her character was well received by fans and quickly became a fan-favorite among the new cast.[16] In season 1, her character Gigi was involved in a "throuple"/polyamorous relationship with Alice and Nat. In season 2, her character further explored romantic relationships with Bette Porter (played by Jennifer Beals) and Dani Núñez (played by Arienne Mandi).

In 2020, Moafi starred alongside Clayne Crawford in The Killing of Two Lovers, an American drama film written, directed, produced and edited by Robert Machoian. The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2020, and the film was released on May 14, 2021.[21] The film tells the separation between the parents of four children in which Moafi plays Niki, the wife of Clayne Crawford's David.[22]

In April 2021, Moafi was cast in the Apple TV+ American crime drama limited series Black Bird. Produced by Dennis Lehane, Moafi stars alongside Taron Egerton, Paul Walter Hauser and Greg Kinnear. Production for the series began in New Orleans in April 2021 and is based on the novel In With The Devil: A Fallen Hero, A Serial Killer, and A Dangerous Bargain for Redemption by James Keene. Moafi plays FBI agent Lauren McCauley in the true crime drama, an FBI agent who approaches protagonist Jimmy Keene about the Larry Hall operation.[23] Moafi attended the premiere event on Wednesday June 29, 2022, at the Regency Bruin Theater in Los Angeles, California[24]. The six-episode limited series premiered globally on July 8, 2022, on Apple TV+.

In November 2021, Moafi was cast as "Hour" in the FX limited series Class of '09 alongside Brian J. Smith, Jake McDorman, Brooke Smith, joining previously announced leads Brian Tyree Henry and Kate Mara. The eight-part series produced by FX Productions revolves around a group of FBI agents who graduated from Quantico in 2009 and are reunited following the death of a mutual friend.[25] The series is executive produced by Tom Rob Smith, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson.[26] Class of '09 premiered on May 10, 2023 on FX on Hulu.[25]

Personal life

[edit]

Moafi is an activist and works to support the International Rescue Committee.[27]

In 2019, Moafi penned a first person essay sharing her experience as a refugee.[2]

In 2021, Moafi was a special guest on Girls Write Now, a writing and mentoring organisation for girls and gender-expansive[clarification needed] teens. Moafi hosted a program titled Belonging: From Refugee to Hollywood as part of the Summer Salon series in February 2021.[1]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2010 Violet is Single Violet Short film
2014 Best Man in the Dark Tereza Lopez
2017 Quest: The Truth Always Rises Susan
2018 The Arrangements Short film
2020 The Killing of Two Lovers Nikki [28]
2023 I'll Be Right There Sophie [29]
TBA Wild Berries TBA Pre-production [30]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2013 Blue Bloods Aaliya Zaki Episode: "Mistaken Identity"
2014 Unforgettable Lisa Martinez Episode: "Manhunt"
Nurse Jackie Mrs. Harrison Episode: "Love Jungle"
Black Box Dr. Farrah Mahmoud
The Good Wife Sylmar Knausgaard Episode: "Old Spice"
Red Zone Frida Moussaf Television film
2015 Forever Melanie Sparo Episode: "The Wolves of Deep Brooklyn"
The Blacklist Mary Henning Episode: "The Deer Hunter (no. 93)"
Limitless Dr. Pauline Wilson Episode: "Side Effects May Include..."
2016 Elementary Sofia Darrow Episode: "All In"
Notorious Megan Byrd Main role
2017–2019 The Deuce Loretta Recurring role (seasons 1–2); Main role (season 3)
2019–2023 The L Word: Generation Q Gigi Ghorbani Main role (seasons 1–2)
2022 Black Bird Lauren McCauley Main role[31]
2023 Class of '09 Hour Nazari Main role[32]
Scavengers Reign Mia (voice) 3 episodes

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Belonging: From Refugee to Hollywood with Sepideh Moafi, February 4, 2021, retrieved September 29, 2021
  2. ^ a b c "Sepideh Moafi Opens Up About Being Born in a Refugee Camp, Why She Wants to Help Other Immigrants". people.com. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Solis, Jose (April 9, 2018). "Sepideh Moafi is a Master at Subverting Seduction and Sex; Interview: Sepideh Moafi on 'One Thousand Nights and One Day'". StageBuddy.
  4. ^ "Crossover Star Sepideh Moafi '07 Turns Big Dreams into Reality". sfcm.edu. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  5. ^ "Sepideh Moafi Booked a Role in Notorious | Claire Trevor School of the Arts | UC Irvine". www.arts.uci.edu. March 11, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d e "You Might Know Her From: Sepideh Moafi on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  7. ^ Plitt, Amy (September 12, 2017). "Mapping the NYC filming locations for HBO's '70s porn drama 'The Deuce'". Curbed NY. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  8. ^ a b c "The Deuce" Star Sepideh Moafi Talks About The Final Season Of The HBO Series, October 11, 2019, retrieved September 29, 2021
  9. ^ "Exclusive : Notorious Scoop: Interview with Sepideh Moafi | Seat42F". seat42f.com. September 21, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  10. ^ Sepideh Moafi interviewed at ABC's "Notorious" red carpet premiere screening #Notorious, September 21, 2016, retrieved September 29, 2021
  11. ^ "Notorious: Cancelled; ABC Drama Officially Not Returning for Season Two". canceled + renewed TV shows - TV Series Finale. May 12, 2017. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  12. ^ "'Maggie Gyllenhaal Devours The Moment': Sepideh Moafi On HBO's 'The Deuce' & Showtime's 'L Word: Generation Q'". September 9, 2019. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  13. ^ Stagnitta, Ali (October 28, 2019). "'The Deuce' Finale: Sepideh Moafi Reveals How Loretta's Story Has Influenced Her View Of The Porn Industry". Hollywood Life. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  14. ^ Clement, Olivia (April 13, 2018). "Watch Highlights From New Musical One Thousand Nights and One Day". Playbill. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  15. ^ "Sepideh Moafi and Ben Steinfeld to Star in One Thousand Nights and One Day | TheaterMania". www.theatermania.com. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  16. ^ a b Specter, Emma (August 17, 2021). "Sepideh Moafi Knows You're Obsessed With Gigi on 'The L Word: Generation Q'". Vogue. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  17. ^ Petski, Denise (August 28, 2017). "'Falling Water': Sepideh Moafi Cast As Series Regular For Season 2". Deadline. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  18. ^ "Sepideh Moafi – Falling Water". Starry Constellation Magazine. January 28, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  19. ^ Milligan, Kaitlin. "Sepideh Moafi Joins Cast of THE L WORD: GENERATION Q". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  20. ^ "Gigi Ghorbani Played by Sepideh Moafi - The L Word: Generation Q | SHOWTIME". SHO.com. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  21. ^ "The Killing of Two Lovers | NEON". neonrated.com. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  22. ^ DeBolt, Virginia (September 17, 2021). "The Killing of Two Lovers: Is Sepideh Moafi worth it?". Old Ain't Dead. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  23. ^ "Meet the cast of Black Bird, Apple TV's gripping true crime thriller". Radio Times. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  24. ^ "Apple TV+ hosts premiere for the highly anticipated debut of thrilling crime drama "Black Bird" ahead of its global debut on July 8". Apple TV+ Press. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  25. ^ a b Petski, Rosy Cordero,Denise; Cordero, Rosy; Petski, Denise (November 10, 2021). "'Class of '09': Raúl Castillo, Jake McDorman, Sepideh Moafi, Brian J. Smith Among 7 Cast In FX Limited Series". Deadline. Retrieved July 8, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  26. ^ Otterson, Joe (June 22, 2021). "Brian Tyree Henry, Kate Mara to Star in Limited Series 'Class of '09' for FX on Hulu". Variety. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  27. ^ "IRC Celebrity Ambassadors: Why I Support the IRC's Work With Refugees". International Rescue Committee (IRC). Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  28. ^ "Clayne Crawford & The Killing of Two Lovers Team on Their On-Set Family". Collider. February 6, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  29. ^ Grobar, Matt (December 7, 2022). "Edie Falco To Topline Indie Comedy 'I'll Be Right There' From 'Nurse Jackie' Helmer Brendan Walsh; Charlie Tahan, Jeannie Berlin, Bradley Whitford & More Also Set". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  30. ^ Barraclough, Leo (May 10, 2023). "'Wild Berries,' Starring Cannes Winner Shahab Hosseini, 'The L Word's' Sepideh Moafi, Picked Up by Grandave Intl. (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  31. ^ Tauer, Kristen (July 11, 2022). "Sepideh Moafi Is on the Case in New Apple Series 'Black Bird'". WWD. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  32. ^ Petski, Rosy Cordero,Denise; Cordero, Rosy; Petski, Denise (November 10, 2021). "'Class of '09': Raúl Castillo, Jake McDorman, Sepideh Moafi, Brian J. Smith Among 7 Cast In FX Limited Series". Deadline. Retrieved June 3, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
[edit]
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