Meet Mir Waiss Najibi | Actor, Writer, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mir Waiss Najibi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mir Waiss, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It was something that I always wanted since I was a kid. One of those pipe dreams that people laugh at, but the heart wants what it wants.  I grew up watching all the sitcoms of the ’80s and ’90s and I found myself envying the kid actor(s) in almost every one of them. I remember just thinking of myself that “I should have been that kid or at least one of them”. I felt it even more so when I saw stage performances in middle school. When I finally started to pursue it, some laughed and ridiculed me which I expected. Eventually, that turned into nothing but love and support.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is that they’re not me. They don’t think like me, nor do they act like me and I stress this because individuality is so important. I can’t afford to be like everyone else. It’s one thing to have things in common with others or similar traits yet it’s crucial that need to stand out with all the growing competition I’m facing. There came a point in my life when I realized I don’t want to do anything else so everything I and the choices I make center towards acting and to make it big.

One of my biggest obstacles was the fear of rejection and I had to continue reminding myself that I belong and I am just as capable as anyone. I was fortunate to score my first leading role last year in an independent film called “Dumbfellas” that will soon be available on streaming services as well as a supporting role in the film “American Bigfoot”. If there’s anything I’ve truly learned it’s that you got to always branch out and not limit yourself to just one genre of the entertainment industry.

Also, one should never let things get to where they are too dependent on someone else’s production and vision and eventually start branching out and creating your own projects. Having said that, I am proud to say that I recently wrapped production on my first feature film that I co-wrote and co-produced called “Back Burner”. Never did I think I was going to be here writing films and expanding my horizons and to have others believe in that and help bring it all together is very special to me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would probably first take them to Hollywood if they’ve never been just to give them idea of the world I’m trying to be a part of. They would have go to Miceli’s and try their linguini and clams. Then show them the world market in downtown LA, maybe try Phillipe’s for their french dip or even Canter’s Deli. I would also show them the Queen Mary in Long Beach. There’s plenty of beaches, legendary food spots and a lot of family owned places that you can try that people love to support in their respective locations. I think just from sightseeing alone they would have a really good time and being sunny all year long helps too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost I’d have to say my mother because while she may have not understood this journey she always supported it and understood where I was coming from. She once told me “you’re such a dreamer” and I said “Well someone has to be”  Throughout it all she’s always been supportive of the things I’ve done and the more productive I’ve been, the more she’s realized it’s not just a hobby or a means to an end.

All the directors’ and actors’ I’ve met along this journey deserve a lot of love as well was whether it was a good or bad experience. Either way it taught me essentials that are needed for a production to be solid and to develop lasting professional relationships that sometimes result in solid friendships as well. One of those people happens to be my co-writer and producer Omari Washington. He helped push me to make our film a reality and the way he has always conducted himself on set should be the gold standard that others ought to follow including myself.

Instagram: themirfactor

Twitter: mirnajibi

Facebook: Mir Waiss Najibi

Other: IMDB.Me/Mir

Image Credits
Sage Kirkpatrick, Jesse Najera