“Theater is not just performance; it is resistance, memory, and identity.” — Houshang Touzie
Houshang Touzie (born in Iran, 1950s) is an Iranian‑American actor, playwright, and producer best known for his work in Argo (2012), Homeland (2011), and numerous Persian‑language stage plays. He is married to Emmy‑winning actress Shohreh Aghdashloo since 1987, and together they have one daughter, Tara. In 2025, he is trending for his role in the upcoming eco‑thriller Running Dry and for public appearances with Aghdashloo at cultural events in Toronto. His challenges include sustaining Iranian diaspora theater in the U.S., navigating political sensitivities in his plays, and balancing family life with a demanding artistic career.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1950s | Born in Iran |
| 1970s | Began acting in Iranian theater |
| 1980s | Emigrated to the United States |
| 1987 | Married actress Shohreh Aghdashloo |
| 1989 | Daughter Tara Touzie born |
| 2001 | Appeared in America So Beautiful |
| 2011 | Guest role in Homeland |
| 2012 | Featured in Oscar‑winning film Argo |
| 2023 | Wrote and staged Rostam Is Unaware of His Son Sohrab’s Whereabouts |
| 2025 | Cast in eco‑thriller Running Dry |
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Houshang Touzie |
| Birthplace | Iran |
| Nationality | Iranian‑American |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Profession | Actor, Playwright, Producer |
| Known For | Argo, Homeland, Persian diaspora theater |
| Spouse | Shohreh Aghdashloo (m. 1987) |
| Children | Tara Touzie (b. 1989) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
Early Life & Education
Touzie was born in Iran in the 1950s. From a young age, he was drawn to theater and storytelling. He performed in local stage productions during his school years, developing a passion for acting. His early exposure to Persian literature and poetry influenced his later work as a playwright.
He emigrated to the United States in the 1980s, seeking artistic freedom and opportunities beyond Iran’s restrictive cultural environment.
Career Background
Stage Work Touzie is a prolific playwright and actor in the Iranian diaspora. His plays, such as The Silver Poet and Rostam Is Unaware of His Son Sohrab’s Whereabouts, explore themes of exile, identity, and Persian mythology. He founded Workshop 79, a theater group dedicated to Persian‑language productions in the U.S.

Film & Television
- Ferestedah (1982) – Early film role.
- America So Beautiful (2001) – Drama about Iranian immigrants.
- Homeland (2011) – Guest role in the acclaimed series.
- Argo (2012) – Appeared in Ben Affleck’s Oscar‑winning film.
- Rostam Is Unaware… (2023) – Stage play blending myth and modern exile.
Recent Projects In 2025, Touzie was announced as part of the cast of Hamzah Jamjoom’s eco‑thriller Running Dry, alongside Waleed Zuaiter and Baraa Alem.
Trending News (2025)
- Film Role: Touzie is trending for his casting in Running Dry, an eco‑thriller set to begin filming in late 2025.
- Public Appearance: In May 2025, Touzie and Shohreh Aghdashloo were photographed together in Toronto at a cultural event, wearing custom ensembles by Rumi Mode Boutique.
- Diaspora Theater: His 2023 play Rostam Is Unaware… continues to be discussed in Iranian diaspora circles for its bold political allegory.
Challenges & Achievements
Challenges
- Diaspora Theater: Sustaining Persian‑language productions in the U.S. with limited funding.
- Political Sensitivity: His plays often critique authoritarianism, risking backlash from Iranian authorities.
- Balancing Roles: Managing dual careers as actor and playwright while supporting his wife’s high‑profile Hollywood career.
Achievements
- Built a respected career in both Hollywood and diaspora theater.
- Collaborated with Shohreh Aghdashloo on cultural projects.
- Contributed to preserving Persian literature and mythology through modern plays.
- Appeared in Oscar‑winning Argo.
Family & Parents
Touzie was born into a supportive family in Iran. While details of his parents remain private, he credits them with encouraging his artistic pursuits.
He married Shohreh Aghdashloo in 1987. Together they have one daughter, Tara Touzie (born 1989). The family resides in Los Angeles, balancing Hollywood careers with cultural advocacy.
Salary & Net Worth
- Salary: Estimated $50,000–$100,000 annually from acting and theater.
- Net Worth: Approximately $1–2 million.
Legacy
Houshang Touzie’s legacy lies in his ability to bridge Persian cultural heritage with Western theater and film. His plays preserve Iranian identity while addressing exile and diaspora struggles.
His story in 2025 reflects both triumph and challenge: professional recognition alongside the difficulties of sustaining diaspora theater. As he embarks on Running Dry and continues his stage work, Touzie remains a vital voice in Iranian‑American culture.









