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{{Short description|American actress (born 1980)}}
{{Infobox Actor
{{Infobox person
| name = Sarah Shahi
| image =
| name = Sarah Shahi
| imagesize =
| image = Sarah Shahi (26104742945) (cropped).jpg
| caption =
| caption = Shahi in 2016
| pronunciation = <!--add pronunciation in IPA with template {{IPA-xx|...|lang}}, and replace 'xx' with the ISO639-1 code for the language. If pronunciation is in English and this will be obvious, {{IPA-en|...|}} should be used.-->
| birthname = Aahoo Jahansouz Shahi
| birthdate = {{Birth date and age|1980|01|10}}
| birth_name = Aahoo Jahansouzshahi
| birthplace = [[Euless, Texas]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1980|01|10}}
| birth_place = [[Euless, Texas]], U.S.
| deathdate = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} Death date then birth -->
| deathplace =
| alma_mater = [[Southern Methodist University]]
| othername = Sara Shahi
| occupation = Actress
| years_active = 1997–present
| occupation = [[Actress]]<br/>[[model (person)|Model]]
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Steve Howey (actor)|Steve Howey]]|2009|2021|reason=divorced}}
| yearsactive = 2000-
| partner = <!--Unmarried, long-term life partners. Not a list of boyfriends or fiancés.-->
| spouse = [[Steve Howey (actor)|Steve Howey]] (2009-)
| domesticpartner =
| children = 3
| website =
| academyawards =
| afiawards =
| arielaward =
| baftaawards =
| bfjaawards =
| cesarawards =
| emmyawards =
| filmfareawards =
| geminiawards =
| goldencalfawards =
| goldenglobeawards =
| goldenraspberryawards =
| goyaawards =
| grammyawards =
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| laurenceolivierawards =
| naacpimageawards =
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| awards =
}}
}}


'''Aahoo Jahansouzshahi''' (born January 10, 1980), known professionally as '''Sarah Shahi''',{{r|mills20110124}} is an American actress. She played Carmen on ''[[The L Word]]'' in 2005, Kate Reed in the [[USA Network]] legal drama ''[[Fairly Legal]]'' (2011–2012), Sameen Shaw on the [[CBS]] crime drama ''[[Person of Interest (TV series)|Person of Interest]]'' (2012–2016),<ref name="POI">{{cite news |first=Philiana |last=Ng |title='Person of Interest' Adds Sarah Shahi as Series Regular |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/person-interest-adds-sarah-shahi-523213/|access-date=April 6, 2022 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=May 15, 2013}}</ref> and Billie on the [[Netflix]] series ''[[Sex/Life]]''. She has also appeared in the main role Det. Dani Reese in ''[[Life (American TV series)|Life]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dani Reese: Life Character|url=https://www.nbc.com/life/credits/character/dani-reese|access-date=2020-10-05|website=NBC}}</ref> and in a supporting role in ''[[Alias (TV series)|Alias]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Otterson|first=Joe|date=2020-01-30|title=Sarah Shahi to Star in Netflix Dramedy 'Sex/Life'|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/sarah-shahi-sex-life-netflix-1203487313/|access-date=2020-10-05|website=Variety|language=en}}</ref> In 2018, she starred in the series ''[[Reverie (TV series)|Reverie]]''. In 2019, she appeared in a recurring role in ''[[City on a Hill (TV series)|City on a Hill]]'' on [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]],<ref name="city-on-a-hill">{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/city-on-a-hill-sarah-shahi-recur-showtime-drama-series-kevin-bacon-aldis-hodge-1202534943/|title = 'City on a Hill': Sarah Shahi to Recur on Showtime Drama Series|date = 14 January 2019|website=Deadline}}</ref> and appeared in seven episodes of the series ''[[The Rookie (TV series)|The Rookie]]'' as romantic interest Jessica Russo.<ref name=rookie>{{Cite web|last=Ausiello|first=Michael|date=2019-01-11|title=Person of Interest's Sarah Shahi Joins The Rookie in 'Rock Star' Recurring Role|url=https://tvline.com/2019/01/11/sarah-shahi-the-rookie-season-1-cast-jessica-russo/|access-date=2020-10-05|website=TVLine |archive-date=2019-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112012151/https://tvline.com/2019/01/11/sarah-shahi-the-rookie-season-1-cast-jessica-russo/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2023, she received critical praise for her role of [[White House Deputy Chief of Staff]] Zahra Bankston in the LGBTQ+ romantic comedy streaming film [[Red, White & Royal Blue (film)|''Red, White & Royal Blue'']].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hogan |first=Heather |date=2023-08-11 |title='Red, White & Royal Blue' Is a Perfect Gay Rom-Com (With Bonus Rachel Maddow and Sarah Shahi) |url=https://www.autostraddle.com/red-white-royal-blue-is-a-perfect-gay-rom-com-with-bonus-rachel-maddow-and-sarah-shahi/ |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=Autostraddle |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Jess |date=2023-08-10 |title=6 reasons why 'Red, White & Royal Blue' will be your new guilty pleasure |url=https://www.timeout.com/news/6-reasons-why-red-white-royal-blue-will-be-your-new-favourite-guilty-pleasure-081023 |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=Time Out Worldwide |language=en-GB}}</ref>
'''Aahoo Jahansouz''' ({{lang-fa|<big>آهو جهانسوز</big>}}), also known as '''Sarah Shahi''' (born January 10, 1980) is an American [[actor|actress]] of [[Iranian American|Iranian]] and Spanish descent. A former [[NFL Cheerleader]], Shahi was named #90 on the [[Maxim magazine]] "Hot 100 of 2005" list;<ref> [http://www.maximonline.com/girls_of_maxim/pictures_and_bio/1125/SarahShahi.girl Sarah Shahi Photos, Sarah Shahi Videos, Sarah Shahi News on Maxim.com :: Hot Girls, Sex, Images, Pictures Babes, Chicks, Celebrity, Photo Shoot<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> she moved up to #66 in 2006.<ref>[http://www.maximonline.com/slideshows/index.aspx?slideId=1971&imgCollectId=94 Sarah Shahi of 2006 Hot 100 on Maxim.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Sarah is married to actor [[Steve Howey (actor)|Steve Howey]], whom she met on the set of ''[[Reba (TV series)|Reba]]'' in 2004. She has starred in ''[[The L Word]]'' and ''[[Life (TV series)|Life]]''.


==Early life and career==
==Early life==
Sarah Shahi was born Aahoo Jahansouzshahi on {{birth date|1980|01|10}}<ref>{{cite news|last=Rose|first=Mike|title=Today's famous birthdays list for January 10, 2023 includes celebrities Rod Stewart, Sarah Shahi|work=The Plain Dealer|date=January 10, 2023|access-date=January 10, 2023|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2023/01/todays-famous-birthdays-list-for-january-10-2023-includes-celebrities-rod-stewart-sarah-shahi.html}}</ref> and raised in [[Euless, Texas]].{{r|mills20110124}} Her father, Abbas Jahansouzshahi, and her mother, Mahmonir Soroushazar, an interior designer, divorced when she was ten years old.<ref name="newyorkpost">{{cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2011/01/30/court-of-appeal/ |title=Court of appeal |date=January 30, 2011 |author=Robert Rorke |publisher=New York Post |access-date=April 6, 2022}}</ref> Her mother was born in [[Spain]] to an [[Iran|Iranian]] father and a [[Spanish people|Spanish]] mother.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHP0tynaomk |title=Mujer de Hoy &#124; Sarah Shahi habla y su familia &#124; MDH |website=[[YouTube]] |date=30 January 2013 |access-date=2015-06-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310061239/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHP0tynaomk |archive-date=2016-03-10 }}</ref><ref name="tvguide">{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/sarah-shahi-life-19450/|title=For Sarah Shahi, Life is Beautiful |date=October 6, 2008 |author=Ileane Rudolph |publisher=TV Guide |access-date=April 6, 2022}}</ref> Her father is from [[Iran]]. Her father's family left Iran two years before the [[Iranian Revolution]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.askmen.com/women/actress_300/317c_sarah_shahi.html |title=Sarah Shahi Biography |website=AskMen.com |access-date=May 16, 2007 |archive-date=February 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229195245/http://www.askmen.com/women/actress_300/317c_sarah_shahi.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="agov1">{{cite web|last=Baron|first=Jeff|date=January 4, 2011|title=With New Show, Sarah Shahi Is Ready for Her Close-Up|url=http://www.america.gov/st/peopleplace-english/2011/January/20110104163817ffej0.6563532.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209103030/http://www.america.gov/st/peopleplace-english/2011/January/20110104163817ffej0.6563532.html|archive-date=February 9, 2011|access-date=January 7, 2011|work=[[America.gov]]|publisher=[[U.S. Department of State]]}}</ref> Her father, who was working at the [[American embassy in Iran]], was slated for execution when [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi|the last Shah]]'s regime collapsed in 1979, but was able to flee the country.<ref name="newyorkpost"/> Shahi has an older brother, Cyrus,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2013/02/20/person-of-interest-season-2-spoilers-sarah-shahi/|title=On ''Person of Interest'', Sarah Shahi trades 'wink-wink, flirt-flirt', for being 'the ultimate bad-ass' |date=February 20, 2013 |author=Matt Webb Mitovich |website=TVLine|access-date=February 21, 2013}}</ref> and a younger sister, Samantha, who is a production assistant.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2011/01/24/life-hasnt-been-easy-for-fairly-legals-sarah-shahi/ |title=Life hasn't been easy for Fairly Legal's Sarah Shahi |date=January 19, 2011 |author=Luaine Lee |publisher=The Mercury News |access-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225033342/http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/01/19/928690_life-hasnt-been-easy-for-actress.html |archive-date=February 25, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://iran.usembassy.gov/ahooshahi2.html |title=Sarah Shahi |publisher=Virtual Embassy of the United States Tehran, Iran |access-date=December 16, 2014}}</ref>
Sarah Shahi was born in [[Euless, Texas]], to a Spanish mother and Iranian father, Abbas Shahi.<ref>[http://www.tvguide.com/News/Sarah-Shahi-Life-19450.aspx Interview with Sarah Shahi]</ref><ref>[http://www.thelwordonline.com/Shahi_wireless.shtml www.thelwordonline.com]</ref> She is a great-great-granddaughter of the 19th century [[Iran]]ian king [[Fath Ali Shah Qajar]].<ref>[http://www.askmen.com/women/actress_300/317c_sarah_shahi.html http://www.askmen.com/women/actress_300/317c_sarah_shahi.html]</ref> Her real given name, Aahoo, is Persian for ''[[deer]]''<ref>[http://www.tvguide.com/News/Sarah-Shahi-Life-19450.aspx Interview with Sarah Shahi]</ref>. She attended [[Trinity High School (Euless, Texas)|Trinity High School]] and Dallas' [[Southern Methodist University]], majoring in English and Opera.<ref>[http://www.tv.com/sarah-shahi/person/26645/biography.html Sarah Shahi Bio - Sarah Shahi Biography - Sarah Shahi Stories<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Shahi started her career as a beauty queen during her teen years. She won the Miss [[Fort Worth]] USA pageant in 1997. She joined the [[Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders]] 1999–2000 squad and appeared on the cover of their 2000 calendar.She is fluent in English and Farsi.


Her birth name, Aahoo ({{langx|fa|آهو}}), means '[[gazelle]]' in [[Persian language|Persian]].<ref name="tvguide"/> Shahi adopted Sarah as her name in second grade after hearing a song called "Sarah" because she was "tormented" by other children about her birth name, Aahoo.{{r|mills20110124}} At her father's behest, she grew up speaking [[Persian language|Persian]] in addition to English. Shahi's parents began entering her in [[beauty pageant]]s at the age of eight.<ref name="agov1"/> Shahi attended [[Trinity High School (Euless, Texas)|Trinity High School]],{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} and [[Southern Methodist University]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20129846,00.html|title=Rah of Iran|date=November 22, 1999|publisher=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=August 17, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019232934/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20129846,00.html|archive-date=October 19, 2012}}</ref> She was a member of [[Alpha Chi Omega]] during her time at SMU. Shahi won the Miss [[Fort Worth, Texas|Fort Worth]] pageant in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/sarah-shahi/bio/192469|title=Sarah Shahi: Biography|publisher=TV Guide}}</ref> Hoping to become an actress, she joined the [[Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders]] (1999–2000) squad, despite not having cheered before. Later, she moved to [[Los Angeles]].<ref name="mills20110124">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2011-01-22-sarah-shahi_N.htm|title=Sarah Shahi turns cheerleading into 'Legal' experience|last=Mills|first=Nancy|date=2011-01-24|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=2011-01-24}}</ref>
==Acting career==
While working as an extra on the set of ''[[Dr. T and the Women]]'', she met director [[Robert Altman]], who encouraged her to move to [[Hollywood, Los Angeles, California|Hollywood]]. Once in L.A., she got various recurrent roles in several famous series, such as ''[[Alias (TV series)|Alias]]'', where she played Jenny, and ''[[Dawson's Creek]]'', where she was Sadia Shaw. Shahi was also the first ghost in ''[[Supernatural (TV series)|Supernatural]]'', the [[The CW Television Network|CW]] paranormal drama series.


==Career==
She is best known for her role as the [[Mexican-American]] [[DJ]] [[Carmen de la Pica Morales]] in the [[Showtime]] drama television series ''[[The L Word]]'', which she joined in its second season. Shahi did not renew her contract with the series for the fourth season, and consequently her character was written out. She makes a guest appearance on the last episode of the series.
[[File:Sarah Shahi - Monte-Carlo Television Festival (2).jpg|thumb|right|Shahi at the 2012 [[Monte-Carlo Television Festival]]]]
While working as an extra on the set of ''[[Dr. T and the Women]]'' in Texas, Shahi met director [[Robert Altman]], who encouraged her to move to [[Hollywood, Los Angeles, California|Hollywood]],{{r|mills20110124}} where she received roles in several series, including ''[[Alias (TV series)|Alias]]'', ''[[Dawson's Creek]]'', ''[[Reba (TV series)|Reba]]'' and ''[[Supernatural (American TV series)|Supernatural]]''. In 2005, she appeared in the supporting character role of [[DJ]] [[Carmen de la Pica Morales]] on ''[[The L Word]]'', which she joined in its second season. Shahi's two-year contract was not renewed after the end of the fourth season, and her character was written out.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.afterellen.com/tv/83465-sarah-shahi-moves-on-from-the-l-word-and-life-to-fairly-legal|title=Sarah Shahi moves on from "The L Word" and "Life" to "Fairly Legal" - AfterEllen|date=2011-01-13|website=AfterEllen|access-date=2016-05-16}}</ref> Also that same year, Shahi appeared in the pilot episode of [[Supernatural (American TV series)|Supernatural]] as Constance Welch, AKA The Woman in White, the first ghost that Dean Winchester ([[Jensen Ackles]]) and Sam Winchester ([[Jared Padalecki]]) encounter.


Shahi was named number 90 on the ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]'' "Hot 100 of 2005" list, moving up to number 66 in 2006<ref>[http://www.maximonline.com/slideshows/index.aspx?slideId=1971&imgCollectId=94 Sarah Shahi profile on Maxim] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014053427/http://www.maximonline.com/slideshows/index.aspx?slideId=1971&imgCollectId=94|date=October 14, 2007}}</ref> and 36 in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Beautiful Celebrities and Women of 2012 &#124; Maxim Hot 100|date=5 December 2012 |url=http://www.maxim.com/hot-100/2012|access-date=2014-01-22|publisher=Maxim}}</ref> She appeared on the cover of ''Maxim''{{-'}}s 2012 'TV's Hottest Girls' Issue in October 2012.<ref>{{cite web|date=2012-09-09|title=Sarah Shahi Covers Maxim's 2012 'TV's Hottest Girls' Issue|url=http://celebrity-gossip.net/sarah-shahi/sarah-shahi-covers-maxims-2012-tvs-hottest-girls-issue-713312|access-date=2014-01-22|publisher=Celebrity-gossip.net}}</ref> She ranked number 5 on the [[AfterEllen.com]] hot list in 2007.<ref>[http://www.afterellen.com/people/14742-the-2007-afterellencom-hot-100 AfterEllen.com ranking] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923150053/http://www.afterellen.com/people/14742-the-2007-afterellencom-hot-100|date=September 23, 2016}}</ref>
She also played the role of [[List of Sleeper Cell characters#Farah|Farah]] in the second season of ''[[Sleeper Cell (TV series)|Sleeper Cell]]''. She also appeared in [[HBO]]'s ''[[The Sopranos]]'', in the Season 6b episode "[[Kennedy and Heidi]]", as Sonya Aragon, a stripper and [[college]] student who spends a weekend with [[Tony Soprano|Tony]] after a death in his family.


She played [[Farah (Sleeper Cell character)|Farah]] in the second season of ''[[Sleeper Cell (TV series)|Sleeper Cell]]'', and also appeared in [[HBO]]'s ''[[The Sopranos]]'' in 2007, in the Season 6b episode "[[Kennedy and Heidi]]" as Sonya Aragon, a stripper and college student who spends a weekend with Tony after a death in his family. In 2007, she secured a small role in ''[[Rush Hour 3]]'' as Zoe, a scantily clad rich girl who is pursued by [[Chris Tucker]]'s character, Detective Carter.
She costarred in the NBC series ''[[Life (US TV series)|Life]]'' along with British actor [[Damien Lewis]] as detective Charlie Crews. Shahi played homicide detective Dani Reese.

In 2007, she took on her first permanent leading role on a TV series, co-starring with [[Damian Lewis]] in the NBC series ''[[Life (American TV series)|Life]]'' as homicide detective Dani Reese. The series ran for two seasons.{{r|mills20110124}}<ref>{{cite news|first=Robert|last=Wilonsky|agency=Unfair Park (blog) |work=[[Dallas Observer]]|title=At SMU, Apparently, Sarah Shahi Was 'Walking Blue Balls'|url=http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2008/08/at_smu_apparently_sarah_shahi.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080814004853/http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2008/08/at_smu_apparently_sarah_shahi.php|archive-date=August 14, 2008|date=August 12, 2008|access-date=January 7, 2011}}</ref>

In October 2009, Shahi landed the lead role in the [[USA Network]] pilot, ''Facing Kate''. Shahi began filming in November 2009.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=Sarah Shahi lands USA's 'Kate' pilot |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sarah-shahi-lands-usas-kate-90356/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=April 6, 2022 |date=October 21, 2009}}</ref> The show followed the life of Kate Reed, a legal mediator who is frustrated with the bureaucracy and injustice she witnesses in the legal system. The series title was later changed to ''[[Fairly Legal]]''. The show was cancelled after two seasons in November 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2012/11/01/fairly-legal-usa-network-cancelled/|title=''Fairly Legal'' Cancelled After Two-Season Run|date=November 1, 2012|author=Megan Masters|publisher=[[TVLine]]|access-date=November 4, 2012}}</ref>

Shahi was cast as a recurring love interest for [[Taylor Kinney]]'s character Lt. Kelly Severide on [[NBC]]'s show ''[[Chicago Fire (TV series)|Chicago Fire]]'' in October 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2012/10/30/chicago-fire-season-1-cast-sarah-shahi/|title='Chicago Fire' Cast – Sarah Shahi to Play Taylor Kinney's Love Interest|date=October 30, 2012|publisher=[[TVLine]]|author=Michael Ausiello|access-date=December 28, 2012}}</ref> She was cast in the recurring role of Sameen Shaw on ''[[Person of Interest (TV series)|Person of Interest]]'', making her first appearance in the second-season episode "[[Relevance (Person of Interest)|Relevance]]", which aired in February 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/01/08/sarah-shahi-to-recur-on-person-of-interest/|title=Sarah Shahi to recur on 'Person of Interest'|date=January 8, 2013|author=Sandra Gonzalez|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=February 21, 2013}}</ref> In May 2013, CBS President [[Nina Tassler]] announced that Shahi would be added as a series regular for its third season.<ref name="POI"/> She played the daughter of [[Sylvester Stallone]]'s character in the 2012 action film ''[[Bullet to the Head]]''. Her co-star on this film was [[Jason Momoa]], who she worked with again in the 2014 film ''[[Road to Paloma]]''. Following the January 7, 2015, episode of ''Person of Interest'', Shahi and the show's producers announced she would be going on maternity leave.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bryant |first1=Adam |title=Person of Interest Bosses, Star on Shocking Exit and That Big Kiss |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/person-of-interest-sarah-shahi-jonathan-nolan-1091505/ |website=TV Guide |access-date=April 6, 2022 |date=January 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111103926/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Person-of-Interest-Sarah-Shahi-Jonathan-Nolan-1091505.aspx|archive-date=January 11, 2015}}</ref>

In February 2016, she was cast as iconic detective [[Nancy Drew]] in a planned TV series based on the books.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hibberd|first=James|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/02/29/sarah-shahi-nancy-drew|title=Sarah Shahi cast as Nancy Drew in CBS reboot|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=2016-02-29}}</ref> In May 2016, [[CBS]] passed on the series.<ref>{{cite news|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cbs-passes-nancy-drew-reboot-894095|title=CBS Passes on Nancy Drew Reboot; Drama Being Shopped Elsewhere|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=May 14, 2016|access-date=May 31, 2016}}</ref> Also in May, Shahi resumed her appearances as Shaw on ''Person of Interest'', until June 21, 2016, when the show ended.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Li|first=Shirley|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/05/03/person-of-interest-season-5-preview|title=''Person of Interest'': EPs preview a final season set to 'blow things up'|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=May 3, 2016|access-date=May 31, 2016}}</ref> She starred in the new TV series ''[[Reverie (TV series)|Reverie]]'' in 2018,<ref name="series order">{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/05/reverie-starring-sarah-shahi-nbc-series-order-1202091947/ |title='Reverie' VR Thriller Drama Pilot Starring Sarah Shahi Gets NBC Series Order |last=Andreeva|first=Nellie |work=Deadline Hollywood|date=May 12, 2017|access-date=May 12, 2017}}</ref> but it was cancelled after one season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Goldberg|first=Leslie|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/reverie-starring-sarah-shahi-canceled-at-nbc-1158631|title='Reverie,' Starring Sarah Shahi, Canceled at NBC |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |date= November 6, 2018|access-date=November 6, 2018}}</ref>

In 2018, Shahi played a recurring role on ''[[The Rookie (TV series)|The Rookie]]'' as Jessica Russo, a private security consultant and former FBI hostage rescue specialist, who becomes John Nolan's girlfriend.{{r|rookie}}
In 2019, Shahi joined the cast of [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]'s ''[[City on a Hill (TV series)|City on a Hill]]'' as recurring character Rachel Behnam, an investigator for the district attorney.<ref name="city-on-a-hill"/>
In August 2020, Shahi started filming ''[[Sex/Life]]'', a [[Netflix]] series inspired by BB Easton's book "''44 Chapters About 4 Men",'' in [[Toronto|Toronto, Canada]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=White|first=Peter|date=2020-08-31|title=Netflix Dramedy 'Sex/Life' Restarts Production In Toronto|url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/netflix-sex-life-restarts-production-toronto-1203027581/|access-date=2021-06-18|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|title='Sex/Life' star Adam Demos on that full-frontal shower scene|url=https://ew.com/tv/sex-life-adam-demos-talks-naked-shower-scene-netflix/|access-date=2021-06-27|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref> She played Billie, a housewife struggling to remain a devoted wife and mother when tempted by an old flame and the freer days of her youth.<ref name=":0" /> In October, she was cast as [[Isis (DC Comics)|Adrianna Tomaz]] in the 2022 [[DCEU]] film ''[[Black Adam (film)|Black Adam]]'' opposite [[Dwayne Johnson]] and [[Pierce Brosnan]].


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Shahi married actor [[Steve Howey (actor)|Steve Howey]] on February 7, 2009, in [[Las Vegas]]. In July 2009, she gave birth to their first child, a son,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/parents/sarah-shahi-steve-howey-welcome-son-william-wolf/|title=Sarah Shahi, Steve Howey Welcome Son William Wolf|date=October 2, 2009|website=People|access-date=October 3, 2019}}</ref> during an at-home water birth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/parents/sarah-shahi-how-i-handled-my-home-birth/amp/|title=Sarah Shahi: How I handled my water birth|date=March 10, 2010|website=People|access-date=October 3, 2019}}/</ref> In January 2015, she announced that she was pregnant with twins.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Snetiker|first=Marc|title='Person of Interest' exit interview: 'It's goodbye for now, but not forever'|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/01/07/person-of-interest-shaw-dead-sarah-shahi-pregnant/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=October 3, 2019|date=January 7, 2015}}</ref> In March, a daughter and son were born during another home birth.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://people.com/parents/sarah-shahi-steve-howey-welcome-twins-violet-moon-knox-blue/amp/|title=Steve Howey and Sarah Shahi Welcome Twins Violet Moon and Knox Blue|date=March 6, 2015|website=People|access-date=October 3, 2019}}</ref> Shahi and Howey filed for divorce in May 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/steve-howey-and-sarah-shahi-split-after-11-years-of-marriage/|website=Us Magazine|title='Shameless' Star Steve Howey and Sarah Shahi Split After 11 Years of Marriage|date=June 29, 2020}}</ref> Their divorce was finalized in January 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/steve-howey-wife-sarah-shahi-finalize-divorce-after-split/|title=Shameless' Steve Howey and Sarah Shahi Finalize Their Divorce|publisher=US Magazine|date=April 8, 2021}}</ref>
Shahi speaks [[English language|English]], [[Persian language|Persian]], and some [[Spanish language|Spanish]]. She lived with her mother after her parents divorced, and has a [[brown belt]] in [[karate]].


In 2021, Shahi revealed that she was in a relationship with Australian actor [[Adam Demos]], whom she met on the set of ''[[Sex/Life]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Inside Sarah Shahi and Adam Demos' Real-Life Relationship After Meeting on Sex/Life|url=https://people.com/tv/sarah-shahi-dating-sex-life-costar-adam-demos/|access-date=2021-06-27|website=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-25|title=Sarah Shahi & Adam Demos On Sex/Life|url=https://www.leoedit.com/culture/sarah-shahi-adam-demos-on-sex-life/|access-date=2021-06-25|website=Leo Edit|language=en-US}}</ref>
Shahi was married to actor [[Steve Howey (actor)|Steve Howey]]. The couple got engaged in June 2007 and married in February 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They welcomed their first child, a son, William Wolf Shahi-Howey, who was born on July 9, 2009, weighing 8lbs, 9 oz.

Shahi studied [[karate]] in her youth becoming a 1st [[Dan (rank)|dan]] [[Black belt (martial arts)|black belt]] in [[Shōrin-ryū|Shorin-Ryu]] karate.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cheney |first=Alexandra |date=2012-03-16 |title='Fairly Legal' Star Sarah Shahi Talks Season 2 Secrets |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-SEB-69391 |access-date=2022-03-22 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref>

===Lawsuit===
In 2016, Shahi and Howey were sued by a former nanny of their children for [[sexual harassment]] and [[religious discrimination]]. The lawsuit claimed Shahi mocked her Islamic customs of dress and fasting. The lawsuit also alleged sexual harassment, with Shahi sharing a lewd photograph with the nanny, and grabbing her backside commenting "you have a perfect little butt."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kenneally |first=Tim |date=2016-11-11 |title= Sarah Shahi, Steve Howey Sued for Discrimination by Muslim Nanny |url= https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/sarah-shahi-steve-howey-sued-discrimination-muslim-nanny-235134239.html |access-date=2022-08-11}}</ref> In 2017, the nanny asked for the case to be dismissed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-16 |title=Violet Moon Howey: Steve Howey And Sarah Shahi's Lawsuit |url=https://www.solobis.net/violet-moon-howey-steve-howey-and-sarah-shahis-lawsuit/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
===Film===
* ''[[Dr. T and the Women]]'' (2000) as an uncredited cheerleader
{| class="wikitable sortable"
* ''[[City Guys]]'': "Shock Treatment" (2000-11-04) as Cheerleader
|+ {{Screen reader-only|Sarah Shahi in films}}
* ''[[Spin City]]'': "Blind Faith" (2000-11-15) as Bachelorette
|-
* ''[[Boston Public]]'': "Chapter Eleven" (2001-01-22) as Laura
! scope="col" | Year
* ''[[Off Centre]]'': "A Cute Triangle" (2001-11-18) as Angelica
! scope="col" | Title
* ''[[Maybe It's Me (TV series)|Maybe It's Me]]'': "The Exchange-Student" (2001-12-07) as Rosa
! scope="col" | Role
* ''[[Alias (TV series)|Alias]]'' (2001–2002, seven episodes) as Jenny, a budding journalist.
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Other notes
* ''Class of '06'' (2002, undeveloped pilot) as Meg
|-
* ''[[Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde]]'' (2003) as Becky, a Delta-Nu sister
| 2000
* ''[[Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central)]]'': "Chinese Baby" (2002-06-05) as TV Diva
| ''[[Dr. T and the Women]]''
* ''[[Frasier]]'': "Door Jam" (2003-01-07) as Reservationist
| Cheerleader
* ''[[Old School (film)|Old School]]'' (2003) as Erica
| Uncredited
* ''[[Dawson's Creek]]'' (2003, four episodes) as Sadia Shaw, a journalist.
|-
* ''[[ER (TV series)|ER]]'': "The Greater Good" (2003-11-06) as Tara King
| rowspan=2 | 2003
* ''[[Reba (TV series)|Reba]]'': "To Tell You the Truth" (2004-01-23) as Kate
| ''[[Old School (2003 film)|Old School]]''
* ''[[Century City (television)|Century City]]'': "Sweet Child of Mine" (2004-04-06) as Ms. Morris
| Erica
* ''[[A Lot Like Love]]'' (2005) as Starlet
|
* ''Plan B'' (2005, undeveloped pilot) as Bronwyn
|-
* ''[[Supernatural (TV Series)|Supernatural]]'': "Pilot" (2005-09-13) as The Woman in White/Constance Welsh
| ''[[Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde]]''
* '''''[[The L Word]]''''' (2005–2007) as [[Carmen de la Pica Morales]]
| Becky, Delta Nu sister
* ''[[Teachers (US TV series)|Teachers]]'' (2006, six episodes) as Tina
| Uncredited
* ''[[Damages (TV series)|Damages]]'' (2006, undeveloped pilot) as Jennifer Carillo
|-
* ''[[The Dog Problem]]'' (2006) as Candy
| 2005
* ''[[For Your Consideration (film)|For Your Consideration]]'' (2006) as Wake Up Host
| ''{{sortname|A|Lot Like Love}}''
* ''[[Sleeper Cell (TV series)|Sleeper Cell]]'' (2006) as Farah
| Starlet
* ''[[Reba (TV series)|Reba]]'': "Cheyenne's Rival" (2007-01-28) as Bridget
|
* ''[[The Sopranos]]'': "Kennedy and Heidi" (2007-05-13) as Sonya Aragon
|-
* '''''[[Life (US TV series)|Life]]''''' (2007—2009) as Dani Reese
| rowspan=2 | 2006
* ''[[AmericanEast]]'' (2007) as Salwah Marzoke
| ''[[For Your Consideration (film)|For Your Consideration]]''
* ''[[Shades of Ray]]'' (2007) as Sana Khaliq
| Sanchez
* ''[[The Adventures of Beatle Boyin]]'' (2007) as Carla
|
* ''[[Rush Hour 3]]'' (2007) as Zoe (uncredited)
|-
* "[[The L Word]]" (2009) as Carmen de la Pica Morales
| ''{{sortname|The|Dog Problem}}''
* ''[[Crossing Over]]'' (2009) as Pooneh Baraheri
| Candy
|
|-
| 2007
| ''[[Rush Hour 3]]''
| Zoe
| Uncredited
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2008
| ''[[Shades of Ray]]''
| Sana Khaliq
|
|-
| ''[[AmericanEast]]''
| Salwah
|
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Crossing Over (film)|Crossing Over]]''
| Pooneh Baraheri
|
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2011
| ''[[East Fifth Bliss]]''
| Hattie Skunk / Hattie Rockworth
|
|-
| ''[[I Don't Know How She Does It]]''
| Janine LoPietro
|
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2012
| ''[[Static (2012 film)|Static]]''
| Adele Dade
|
|-
| ''[[Bullet to the Head]]''
| Lisa Bonomo
|
|-
| 2013
| ''[[The Congress (2013 film)|The Congress]]''
| Michelle
|
|-
| 2014
| ''[[Road to Paloma]]''
| Eva
|
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2015
| ''[[Divine Access]]''
| Marian
|<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2016-05-13 |title=Review: Script grants 'Divine Access' to wit and deep thoughts |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-mini-divine-access-review-20160510-snap-story.html |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| ''The Adventures of Beatle''
| Carla
|
|-
| 2017
| ''[[Hangman (2017 film)|Hangman]]''
| Captain Lisa Watson
| <ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-22 |title=Sarah Shahi Is of Interest to the Hangman |url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/200801/sarah-shahi-interest-hangman/ |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=Dread Central}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2020
| ''[[Bad Therapy (film)|Bad Therapy]]''
| Annabelle
|
|-
| ''American 11''
| Aliyah Ali
| <ref>{{Cite web |last=Seitz |first=Matt Zoller |title=Bad Therapy movie review & film summary (2020) |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/bad-therapy-movie-review-2020 |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=Roger Ebert}}</ref>
|-
| 2022
| ''[[Black Adam (film)|Black Adam]]''
| [[Isis (DC Comics)|Adrianna Tomaz]]
|
|-
| 2023
| ''[[Red, White & Royal Blue (film)|Red, White & Royal Blue]]''
| Zahra Bankston
|
|}


== References ==
===Television===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left; font-size:100;"
{{reflist}}
|+ {{Screen reader-only|Sarah Shahi in television}}
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Role
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Other notes
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2000
| ''[[City Guys]]''
| Cheerleader
| Episode: "Shock Treatment"
|-
| ''[[Spin City]]''
| Bachelorette
| Episode: "Blind Faith"
|-
! rowspan="4" scope="row" | 2001
| ''[[Boston Public]]''
| Laura
| Episode: "[[List of Boston Public episodes|Chapter Eleven]]"
|-
| ''[[Off Centre]]''
| Angelica
| Episode: "A Cute Triangle"
|-
| ''[[Maybe It's Me (TV series)|Maybe It's Me]]''
| Rosa
| Episode: "The Exchange-Student Episode"
|-
| ''[[18 Wheels of Justice]]''
| Christina
| Episode: "Old Wives' Tale "
|-
! scope="row" | 2001–02
| ''[[Alias (TV series)|Alias]]''
| Jenny
| 7 episodes
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2002
| ''Class of ‘06''
| Meg
| Unsold NBC pilot
|-
| ''[[My Adventures in Television]]''
| TV Diva
| Episode: "The Chinese Baby"
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | 2003
| ''[[Frasier]]''
| Reservationist
| Episode: "Door Jam"
|-
| ''[[Dawson's Creek]]''
| Sadia Shaw / Mystery Girl
| Episodes: "Catch-22", "Sex and Violence", and "All the Right Moves"
|-
| ''[[ER (TV series)|ER]]''
| Tara King
| Episode: "[[ER (season 10)#ep207|The Greater Good]]"
|-
! scope="row" | 2004
| ''[[Century City (television)|Century City]]''
| Ms. Morris
| Episode: "Sweet Child of Mine"
|-
! scope="row" | 2004, 2007
| ''[[Reba (TV series)|Reba]]''
| Kate<br>Bridget
| Episode: "To Tell You the Truth"<br>Episode: "Cheyenne's Rival"
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | 2005
| ''Plan B''
| Bronwyn
| Unsold CMT pilot
|-
| ''[[Supernatural (American TV series)|Supernatural]]''
| [[La Llorona|Constance Welch /<br />The Woman in White]]
| Episode: "[[Pilot (Supernatural)|Pilot]]"
|-
| ''The Drop''
| Herself
| Episode: "2.49"
|-
! scope="row" | 2005–09
| ''[[The L Word]]''
| Carmen de la Pica Morales
| 26 episodes
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2006
| ''[[Teachers (2006 TV series)|Teachers]]''
| Tina Torres
| Main role
|-
| ''[[Sleeper Cell (TV series)|Sleeper Cell]]''
| Farrah
| Episodes: "Faith" and "Torture"
|-
! scope="row" | 2007
| ''[[The Sopranos]]''
| Sonya Aragon
| Episode: "[[Kennedy and Heidi]]"
|-
! scope="row" | 2007–09
| ''[[Life (American TV series)|Life]]''
| Dani Reese
| Main character, 32 episodes
|-
! scope="row" | 2010
| ''[[Psych]]''
| Ruby
| Episode: "Thrill Seekers and Hell Raisers"
|-
! scope="row" | 2011–12
| ''[[Fairly Legal]]''
| Kate Reed
| Lead character, 23 episodes
|-
! scope="row" | 2011
| ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]''
| [[Killer Frost|Killer Frost /<br />Crystal Frost]] (voice)
| Episode: "Terrors"
|-
! scope="row" | {{no wrap|2012–13,}} 2018
| ''[[Chicago Fire (TV series)|Chicago Fire]]''
| Renee Royce
| 9 episodes
|-
! scope="row" | 2013–16
| ''[[Person of Interest (TV series)|Person of Interest]]''
| Sameen Shaw
| Recurring role (season 2); main role (seasons 3–5)
|-
! scope="row" | 2015
| ''[[Ray Donovan]]''
| Hasmig
| Episode: "One Night in Yerevan"
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2016
| ''[[Pitch (TV series)|Pitch]]''
| Natalie Luongo
| Episodes: "Unstoppable Forces & Immovable Objects" and "Scratched"
|-
| ''Drew''
| Nancy Drew
| Unsold CBS pilot
|-
! scope="row" | 2017
| ''[[Michael Bolton's Big, Sexy Valentine's Day Special]]''
| Carmela
| Netflix variety special
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | 2018
| ''[[Reverie (TV series)|Reverie]]''
| Mara Kint
| Main role, 10 episodes
|-
| ''Halfway There''
| Carrie Claussen
| Television film
|-
| ''[[Hell's Kitchen (American TV series)|Hell's Kitchen]]''
| Herself
| Blue guest diner; Episode: "Fish Out of Water"
|-
! scope="row" | 2018–19
| ''[[The Rookie (TV series)|The Rookie]]''
| Jessica Russo
| Recurring role, 7 episodes <ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2019/01/11/sarah-shahi-the-rookie-season-1-cast-jessica-russo/|title=Person of Interest's Sarah Shahi Joins The Rookie in 'Rock Star' Recurring Role|last=Ausiello|first=Michael|work=[[TVLine]]|date=February 22, 2019|access-date=February 22, 2019|archive-date=January 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112012151/https://tvline.com/2019/01/11/sarah-shahi-the-rookie-season-1-cast-jessica-russo/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 2019
| ''[[Dolly Parton's Heartstrings (TV series)|Heartstrings]]''
| Lucy Jane
| Episode: "Cracker Jack"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2019/02/11/dolly-partons-heartstrings-bellamy-young-sarah-shahi-netflix-cast/|title=Sarah Shahi, ''Scandal''{{'}}s Bellamy Young, ''thirtysomething'' Alums and More Join Netflix's Dolly Parton Anthology|website=TVLine|first=Rebecca|last=Iannucci|date=February 11, 2019}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[City on a Hill (TV series)|City on a Hill]]''
| Rachel Behnam
| Recurring role<ref name="city-on-a-hill"/>
|-
! scope="row" | 2021–23
| ''[[Sex/Life]]''
| Billie Connelly
| Main role
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{imdb|1083404|Sarah Shahi}}
{{Commons category|Sarah Shahi}}
* {{Official website|http://www.sarahshahi.com}}{{dead link|date=May 2021}}
*[http://www.maxim.com/SarahShahiImage1/todays_girl/47506/4505.aspx Sarah Shahi Today's Girl - Maxim.com]
* {{IMDb name|1083404|Sarah Shahi}}
*[http://www.thelwordonline.com/carmen.html The LWord Online Biography]
* {{Tcmdb name}}
*[http://www.iranchamber.com/history/qajar/qajar.php History of Iran: Qajar Dynasty]

*[http://www.afterellen.com/archive/ellen/column/2006/1/quote-shane.html Don't Quote Me: Kate Moennig and Sarah Shahi on The L Word]
{{Authority control}}
*[http://www.sarah-shahi.fr/ Everyone Loves A Latin Girl] (in French)
*[http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fsarahshahi.free.fr%2Fmodules.php%3Fname%3DNews%26file%3Darticle%26sid%3D4&lp=fr_en&.intl=us&fr=yfp-t-501 Everyone Loves a Latin Girl] (in English)
*[http://www.iranian.ws/iran_news/publish/printer_29122.shtml Iran News: Artistic Moments of Iranian-American Actress Sarah Shahi]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Shahi, Sarah}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Shahi, Sarah}}
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:Actors from Texas]]
[[Category:20th-century American actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century American actresses]]
[[Category:Actresses from Texas]]
[[Category:American cheerleaders]]
[[Category:American cheerleaders]]
[[Category:American karateka]]
[[Category:American film actresses]]
[[Category:American film actors]]
[[Category:American people of Iranian descent]]
[[Category:American television actors]]
[[Category:American people of Spanish descent]]
[[Category:Iranian female models]]
[[Category:American television actresses]]
[[Category:Iranian Americans]]
[[Category:American voice actresses]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:National Football League cheerleaders]]
[[Category:National Football League cheerleaders]]
[[Category:People from Fort Worth, Texas]]
[[Category:People from Euless, Texas]]
[[Category:People from Tarrant County, Texas]]
[[Category:Qajar dynasty]]
[[Category:People from Texas]]
[[Category:Spanish Americans]]
[[Category:Southern Methodist University alumni]]
[[Category:Southern Methodist University alumni]]

[[bg:Сара Шейхи]]
[[de:Sarah Shahi]]
[[es:Sarah Shahi]]
[[fa:سارا شاهی]]
[[fr:Sarah Shahi]]
[[it:Sarah Shahi]]
[[hu:Sarah Shahi]]
[[nl:Sarah Shahi]]
[[ja:サラ・シャヒ]]
[[pl:Sarah Shahi]]
[[pt:Sarah Shahi]]
[[ru:Шахи, Сара]]
[[fi:Sarah Shahi]]
[[sv:Sarah Shahi]]
[[tr:Sarah Shahi]]

Latest revision as of 19:11, 22 December 2024

Sarah Shahi
Shahi in 2016
Born
Aahoo Jahansouzshahi

(1980-01-10) January 10, 1980 (age 44)
Euless, Texas, U.S.
Alma materSouthern Methodist University
OccupationActress
Years active1997–present
Spouse
​
​
(m. 2009; div. 2021)​
Children3

Aahoo Jahansouzshahi (born January 10, 1980), known professionally as Sarah Shahi,[1] is an American actress. She played Carmen on The L Word in 2005, Kate Reed in the USA Network legal drama Fairly Legal (2011–2012), Sameen Shaw on the CBS crime drama Person of Interest (2012–2016),[2] and Billie on the Netflix series Sex/Life. She has also appeared in the main role Det. Dani Reese in Life,[3] and in a supporting role in Alias.[4] In 2018, she starred in the series Reverie. In 2019, she appeared in a recurring role in City on a Hill on Showtime,[5] and appeared in seven episodes of the series The Rookie as romantic interest Jessica Russo.[6] In 2023, she received critical praise for her role of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Zahra Bankston in the LGBTQ+ romantic comedy streaming film Red, White & Royal Blue.[7][8]

Early life

[edit]

Sarah Shahi was born Aahoo Jahansouzshahi on (1980-01-10)January 10, 1980[9] and raised in Euless, Texas.[1] Her father, Abbas Jahansouzshahi, and her mother, Mahmonir Soroushazar, an interior designer, divorced when she was ten years old.[10] Her mother was born in Spain to an Iranian father and a Spanish mother.[11][12] Her father is from Iran. Her father's family left Iran two years before the Iranian Revolution.[13][14] Her father, who was working at the American embassy in Iran, was slated for execution when the last Shah's regime collapsed in 1979, but was able to flee the country.[10] Shahi has an older brother, Cyrus,[15] and a younger sister, Samantha, who is a production assistant.[16][17]

Her birth name, Aahoo (Persian: آهو), means 'gazelle' in Persian.[12] Shahi adopted Sarah as her name in second grade after hearing a song called "Sarah" because she was "tormented" by other children about her birth name, Aahoo.[1] At her father's behest, she grew up speaking Persian in addition to English. Shahi's parents began entering her in beauty pageants at the age of eight.[14] Shahi attended Trinity High School,[citation needed] and Southern Methodist University.[18] She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega during her time at SMU. Shahi won the Miss Fort Worth pageant in 1997.[19] Hoping to become an actress, she joined the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (1999–2000) squad, despite not having cheered before. Later, she moved to Los Angeles.[1]

Career

[edit]
Shahi at the 2012 Monte-Carlo Television Festival

While working as an extra on the set of Dr. T and the Women in Texas, Shahi met director Robert Altman, who encouraged her to move to Hollywood,[1] where she received roles in several series, including Alias, Dawson's Creek, Reba and Supernatural. In 2005, she appeared in the supporting character role of DJ Carmen de la Pica Morales on The L Word, which she joined in its second season. Shahi's two-year contract was not renewed after the end of the fourth season, and her character was written out.[20] Also that same year, Shahi appeared in the pilot episode of Supernatural as Constance Welch, AKA The Woman in White, the first ghost that Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) and Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki) encounter.

Shahi was named number 90 on the Maxim "Hot 100 of 2005" list, moving up to number 66 in 2006[21] and 36 in 2012.[22] She appeared on the cover of Maxim's 2012 'TV's Hottest Girls' Issue in October 2012.[23] She ranked number 5 on the AfterEllen.com hot list in 2007.[24]

She played Farah in the second season of Sleeper Cell, and also appeared in HBO's The Sopranos in 2007, in the Season 6b episode "Kennedy and Heidi" as Sonya Aragon, a stripper and college student who spends a weekend with Tony after a death in his family. In 2007, she secured a small role in Rush Hour 3 as Zoe, a scantily clad rich girl who is pursued by Chris Tucker's character, Detective Carter.

In 2007, she took on her first permanent leading role on a TV series, co-starring with Damian Lewis in the NBC series Life as homicide detective Dani Reese. The series ran for two seasons.[1][25]

In October 2009, Shahi landed the lead role in the USA Network pilot, Facing Kate. Shahi began filming in November 2009.[26] The show followed the life of Kate Reed, a legal mediator who is frustrated with the bureaucracy and injustice she witnesses in the legal system. The series title was later changed to Fairly Legal. The show was cancelled after two seasons in November 2012.[27]

Shahi was cast as a recurring love interest for Taylor Kinney's character Lt. Kelly Severide on NBC's show Chicago Fire in October 2012.[28] She was cast in the recurring role of Sameen Shaw on Person of Interest, making her first appearance in the second-season episode "Relevance", which aired in February 2013.[29] In May 2013, CBS President Nina Tassler announced that Shahi would be added as a series regular for its third season.[2] She played the daughter of Sylvester Stallone's character in the 2012 action film Bullet to the Head. Her co-star on this film was Jason Momoa, who she worked with again in the 2014 film Road to Paloma. Following the January 7, 2015, episode of Person of Interest, Shahi and the show's producers announced she would be going on maternity leave.[30]

In February 2016, she was cast as iconic detective Nancy Drew in a planned TV series based on the books.[31] In May 2016, CBS passed on the series.[32] Also in May, Shahi resumed her appearances as Shaw on Person of Interest, until June 21, 2016, when the show ended.[33] She starred in the new TV series Reverie in 2018,[34] but it was cancelled after one season.[35]

In 2018, Shahi played a recurring role on The Rookie as Jessica Russo, a private security consultant and former FBI hostage rescue specialist, who becomes John Nolan's girlfriend.[6] In 2019, Shahi joined the cast of Showtime's City on a Hill as recurring character Rachel Behnam, an investigator for the district attorney.[5]

In August 2020, Shahi started filming Sex/Life, a Netflix series inspired by BB Easton's book "44 Chapters About 4 Men", in Toronto, Canada.[36][37] She played Billie, a housewife struggling to remain a devoted wife and mother when tempted by an old flame and the freer days of her youth.[37] In October, she was cast as Adrianna Tomaz in the 2022 DCEU film Black Adam opposite Dwayne Johnson and Pierce Brosnan.

Personal life

[edit]

Shahi married actor Steve Howey on February 7, 2009, in Las Vegas. In July 2009, she gave birth to their first child, a son,[38] during an at-home water birth.[39] In January 2015, she announced that she was pregnant with twins.[40] In March, a daughter and son were born during another home birth.[41] Shahi and Howey filed for divorce in May 2020.[42] Their divorce was finalized in January 2021.[43]

In 2021, Shahi revealed that she was in a relationship with Australian actor Adam Demos, whom she met on the set of Sex/Life.[44][45]

Shahi studied karate in her youth becoming a 1st dan black belt in Shorin-Ryu karate.[46]

Lawsuit

[edit]

In 2016, Shahi and Howey were sued by a former nanny of their children for sexual harassment and religious discrimination. The lawsuit claimed Shahi mocked her Islamic customs of dress and fasting. The lawsuit also alleged sexual harassment, with Shahi sharing a lewd photograph with the nanny, and grabbing her backside commenting "you have a perfect little butt."[47] In 2017, the nanny asked for the case to be dismissed.[48]

Filmography

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Film

[edit]
Sarah Shahi in films
Year Title Role Other notes
2000 Dr. T and the Women Cheerleader Uncredited
2003 Old School Erica
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde Becky, Delta Nu sister Uncredited
2005 A Lot Like Love Starlet
2006 For Your Consideration Sanchez
The Dog Problem Candy
2007 Rush Hour 3 Zoe Uncredited
2008 Shades of Ray Sana Khaliq
AmericanEast Salwah
2009 Crossing Over Pooneh Baraheri
2011 East Fifth Bliss Hattie Skunk / Hattie Rockworth
I Don't Know How She Does It Janine LoPietro
2012 Static Adele Dade
Bullet to the Head Lisa Bonomo
2013 The Congress Michelle
2014 Road to Paloma Eva
2015 Divine Access Marian [49]
The Adventures of Beatle Carla
2017 Hangman Captain Lisa Watson [50]
2020 Bad Therapy Annabelle
American 11 Aliyah Ali [51]
2022 Black Adam Adrianna Tomaz
2023 Red, White & Royal Blue Zahra Bankston

Television

[edit]
Sarah Shahi in television
Year Title Role Other notes
2000 City Guys Cheerleader Episode: "Shock Treatment"
Spin City Bachelorette Episode: "Blind Faith"
2001 Boston Public Laura Episode: "Chapter Eleven"
Off Centre Angelica Episode: "A Cute Triangle"
Maybe It's Me Rosa Episode: "The Exchange-Student Episode"
18 Wheels of Justice Christina Episode: "Old Wives' Tale "
2001–02 Alias Jenny 7 episodes
2002 Class of ‘06 Meg Unsold NBC pilot
My Adventures in Television TV Diva Episode: "The Chinese Baby"
2003 Frasier Reservationist Episode: "Door Jam"
Dawson's Creek Sadia Shaw / Mystery Girl Episodes: "Catch-22", "Sex and Violence", and "All the Right Moves"
ER Tara King Episode: "The Greater Good"
2004 Century City Ms. Morris Episode: "Sweet Child of Mine"
2004, 2007 Reba Kate
Bridget 		Episode: "To Tell You the Truth"
Episode: "Cheyenne's Rival"
2005 Plan B Bronwyn Unsold CMT pilot
Supernatural Constance Welch /
The Woman in White 		Episode: "Pilot"
The Drop Herself Episode: "2.49"
2005–09 The L Word Carmen de la Pica Morales 26 episodes
2006 Teachers Tina Torres Main role
Sleeper Cell Farrah Episodes: "Faith" and "Torture"
2007 The Sopranos Sonya Aragon Episode: "Kennedy and Heidi"
2007–09 Life Dani Reese Main character, 32 episodes
2010 Psych Ruby Episode: "Thrill Seekers and Hell Raisers"
2011–12 Fairly Legal Kate Reed Lead character, 23 episodes
2011 Young Justice Killer Frost /
Crystal Frost (voice) 		Episode: "Terrors"
2012–13, 2018 Chicago Fire Renee Royce 9 episodes
2013–16 Person of Interest Sameen Shaw Recurring role (season 2); main role (seasons 3–5)
2015 Ray Donovan Hasmig Episode: "One Night in Yerevan"
2016 Pitch Natalie Luongo Episodes: "Unstoppable Forces & Immovable Objects" and "Scratched"
Drew Nancy Drew Unsold CBS pilot
2017 Michael Bolton's Big, Sexy Valentine's Day Special Carmela Netflix variety special
2018 Reverie Mara Kint Main role, 10 episodes
Halfway There Carrie Claussen Television film
Hell's Kitchen Herself Blue guest diner; Episode: "Fish Out of Water"
2018–19 The Rookie Jessica Russo Recurring role, 7 episodes [52]
2019 Heartstrings Lucy Jane Episode: "Cracker Jack"[53]
City on a Hill Rachel Behnam Recurring role[5]
2021–23 Sex/Life Billie Connelly Main role

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Mills, Nancy (2011-01-24). "Sarah Shahi turns cheerleading into 'Legal' experience". USA Today. Retrieved 2011-01-24.
  2. ^ a b Ng, Philiana (May 15, 2013). "'Person of Interest' Adds Sarah Shahi as Series Regular". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  3. ^ "Dani Reese: Life Character". NBC. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
  4. ^ Otterson, Joe (2020-01-30). "Sarah Shahi to Star in Netflix Dramedy 'Sex/Life'". Variety. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
  5. ^ a b c "'City on a Hill': Sarah Shahi to Recur on Showtime Drama Series". Deadline. 14 January 2019.
  6. ^ a b Ausiello, Michael (2019-01-11). "Person of Interest's Sarah Shahi Joins The Rookie in 'Rock Star' Recurring Role". TVLine. Archived from the original on 2019-01-12. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
  7. ^ Hogan, Heather (2023-08-11). "'Red, White & Royal Blue' Is a Perfect Gay Rom-Com (With Bonus Rachel Maddow and Sarah Shahi)". Autostraddle. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
  8. ^ Phillips, Jess (2023-08-10). "6 reasons why 'Red, White & Royal Blue' will be your new guilty pleasure". Time Out Worldwide. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
  9. ^ Rose, Mike (January 10, 2023). "Today's famous birthdays list for January 10, 2023 includes celebrities Rod Stewart, Sarah Shahi". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Robert Rorke (January 30, 2011). "Court of appeal". New York Post. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  11. ^ "Mujer de Hoy | Sarah Shahi habla y su familia | MDH". YouTube. 30 January 2013. Archived from the original on 2016-03-10. Retrieved 2015-06-12.
  12. ^ a b Ileane Rudolph (October 6, 2008). "For Sarah Shahi, Life is Beautiful". TV Guide. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  13. ^ "Sarah Shahi Biography". AskMen.com. Archived from the original on February 29, 2008. Retrieved May 16, 2007.
  14. ^ a b Baron, Jeff (January 4, 2011). "With New Show, Sarah Shahi Is Ready for Her Close-Up". America.gov. U.S. Department of State. Archived from the original on February 9, 2011. Retrieved January 7, 2011.
  15. ^ Matt Webb Mitovich (February 20, 2013). "On Person of Interest, Sarah Shahi trades 'wink-wink, flirt-flirt', for being 'the ultimate bad-ass'". TVLine. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
  16. ^ Luaine Lee (January 19, 2011). "Life hasn't been easy for Fairly Legal's Sarah Shahi". The Mercury News. Archived from the original on February 25, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  17. ^ "Sarah Shahi". Virtual Embassy of the United States Tehran, Iran. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  18. ^ "Rah of Iran". People. November 22, 1999. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  19. ^ "Sarah Shahi: Biography". TV Guide.
  20. ^ "Sarah Shahi moves on from "The L Word" and "Life" to "Fairly Legal" - AfterEllen". AfterEllen. 2011-01-13. Retrieved 2016-05-16.
  21. ^ Sarah Shahi profile on Maxim Archived October 14, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  22. ^ "Beautiful Celebrities and Women of 2012 | Maxim Hot 100". Maxim. 5 December 2012. Retrieved 2014-01-22.
  23. ^ "Sarah Shahi Covers Maxim's 2012 'TV's Hottest Girls' Issue". Celebrity-gossip.net. 2012-09-09. Retrieved 2014-01-22.
  24. ^ AfterEllen.com ranking Archived September 23, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
  25. ^ Wilonsky, Robert (August 12, 2008). "At SMU, Apparently, Sarah Shahi Was 'Walking Blue Balls'". Dallas Observer. Unfair Park (blog). Archived from the original on August 14, 2008. Retrieved January 7, 2011.
  26. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 21, 2009). "Sarah Shahi lands USA's 'Kate' pilot". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  27. ^ Megan Masters (November 1, 2012). "Fairly Legal Cancelled After Two-Season Run". TVLine. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  28. ^ Michael Ausiello (October 30, 2012). "'Chicago Fire' Cast – Sarah Shahi to Play Taylor Kinney's Love Interest". TVLine. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
  29. ^ Sandra Gonzalez (January 8, 2013). "Sarah Shahi to recur on 'Person of Interest'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
  30. ^ Bryant, Adam (January 8, 2015). "Person of Interest Bosses, Star on Shocking Exit and That Big Kiss". TV Guide. Archived from the original on January 11, 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  31. ^ Hibberd, James. "Sarah Shahi cast as Nancy Drew in CBS reboot". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2016-02-29.
  32. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (May 14, 2016). "CBS Passes on Nancy Drew Reboot; Drama Being Shopped Elsewhere". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  33. ^ Li, Shirley (May 3, 2016). "Person of Interest: EPs preview a final season set to 'blow things up'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  34. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 12, 2017). "'Reverie' VR Thriller Drama Pilot Starring Sarah Shahi Gets NBC Series Order". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 12, 2017.
  35. ^ Goldberg, Leslie (November 6, 2018). "'Reverie,' Starring Sarah Shahi, Canceled at NBC". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  36. ^ White, Peter (2020-08-31). "Netflix Dramedy 'Sex/Life' Restarts Production In Toronto". Deadline. Retrieved 2021-06-18.
  37. ^ a b "'Sex/Life' star Adam Demos on that full-frontal shower scene". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
  38. ^ "Sarah Shahi, Steve Howey Welcome Son William Wolf". People. October 2, 2009. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  39. ^ "Sarah Shahi: How I handled my water birth". People. March 10, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2019./
  40. ^ Snetiker, Marc (January 7, 2015). "'Person of Interest' exit interview: 'It's goodbye for now, but not forever'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  41. ^ "Steve Howey and Sarah Shahi Welcome Twins Violet Moon and Knox Blue". People. March 6, 2015. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  42. ^ "'Shameless' Star Steve Howey and Sarah Shahi Split After 11 Years of Marriage". Us Magazine. June 29, 2020.
  43. ^ "Shameless' Steve Howey and Sarah Shahi Finalize Their Divorce". US Magazine. April 8, 2021.
  44. ^ "Inside Sarah Shahi and Adam Demos' Real-Life Relationship After Meeting on Sex/Life". People. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
  45. ^ "Sarah Shahi & Adam Demos On Sex/Life". Leo Edit. 2021-06-25. Retrieved 2021-06-25.
  46. ^ Cheney, Alexandra (2012-03-16). "'Fairly Legal' Star Sarah Shahi Talks Season 2 Secrets". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  47. ^ Kenneally, Tim (2016-11-11). "Sarah Shahi, Steve Howey Sued for Discrimination by Muslim Nanny". Retrieved 2022-08-11.
  48. ^ "Violet Moon Howey: Steve Howey And Sarah Shahi's Lawsuit". 2022-08-16. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
  49. ^ "Review: Script grants 'Divine Access' to wit and deep thoughts". Los Angeles Times. 2016-05-13. Retrieved 2022-03-09.
  50. ^ "Sarah Shahi Is of Interest to the Hangman". Dread Central. 2016-11-22. Retrieved 2022-03-09.
  51. ^ Seitz, Matt Zoller. "Bad Therapy movie review & film summary (2020)". Roger Ebert. Retrieved 2022-03-09.
  52. ^ Ausiello, Michael (February 22, 2019). "Person of Interest's Sarah Shahi Joins The Rookie in 'Rock Star' Recurring Role". TVLine. Archived from the original on January 12, 2019. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
  53. ^ Iannucci, Rebecca (February 11, 2019). "Sarah Shahi, Scandal's Bellamy Young, thirtysomething Alums and More Join Netflix's Dolly Parton Anthology". TVLine.
[edit]
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