Don't Try to Typecast Azita Ghanizada

The Brownprint

From Afghanistan to Hollywood, Azita Ghanizada is the American Dream. You probably recognize her from her roles on General Hospital, Entourage, Ballers, and many more—'cause she is a hustler. Azita came to America as a child seeking asylum from Afghanistan and settled in Virginia. She was greeted with rocks instead of warm wishes from her neighbors—and at that young age, she found comfort in television, and eventually ended up being on the screen she so loved.

In this conversation, Azita talks about how television became her passion at a young age, and why it didn't seem like the industry wanted her at that time. When Hollywood wanted to typecast her in roles because of her ethnicity, she organized and founded the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition which fights for the advancement and visibility of Middle Eastern North African performers on-screen. Now her destiny isn't to just be on TV screens, but to open the doors for others who look like her and share the spotlight.

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