Actress Marjan Neshat stopped by the iHeartRadio Broadway studios to chat all about making her long awaited Broadway debut in English.
Marjan Neshat is having a landmark moment in her career. The celebrated actress, who dominated the Off-Broadway awards circuit with English before the pandemic, is making her Broadway debut in the same production at Roundabout Theatre. Coincidentally, on January 23—the very night English opens—season two of Netflix’s The Night Agent, in which she co-stars, will premiere. Two major milestones, one unforgettable day. Beyond her stage and screen triumphs, Neshat’s life story is one of resilience and transformation.
Born in Iran, she moved to England as a baby, then to California, before her family returned to Iran when she was three. Her parents, socialist and non-religious, initially believed they could contribute to a better Iran. However, they soon realized the revolution had become a religious one. Their attempts to leave were thwarted when airports shut down, and they remained in Iran until Neshat was in third grade. Her family’s dramatic escape to America involved a visitor’s visa, an empathetic embassy officer, and her mother’s rapid employment during a U.S. nursing shortage. Neshat’s acting aspirations clashed with her mother’s fears, but over time, her dedication won them over.
Now, she’s not only an actress but an artist reshaping narratives, thanks in part to her best friend and Pulitzer-winning playwright Sanaz Toossi, who calls Neshat her “muse.” In a career filled with powerful performances, English stands out as a deeply personal journey. Reprising her role, Neshat reflects on how her approach has evolved, shaped by shifting political climates and motherhood. Her sensitivity to human struggle has always been a defining trait—whether giving away her Norouz money to a blind violinist at age seven or channeling her deep connection to storytelling into acting. Her passion for Chekhov and classic theater once felt like a dream out of reach. Now, she’s proving that complex, universal stories belong to everyone. As she continues breaking barriers, Marjan Neshat’s Broadway debut is not just a personal triumph—it’s a celebration of perseverance, artistry, and the power of authentic storytelling.
Check out the full interview in the video player above!