Meet Nazanin Nour | Actor, Writer & Comedian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nazanin Nour and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nazanin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk, for me, has become synonymous with opportunity. I’ve never had a breakthrough, professionally or personally, without an element of associated risk. For example, when I was approached for Persia’s Got Talent, my immediate feeling was that of excitement; excitement for the prospect of working on the show as a whole, and everything that that would entail. Concurrently, I experienced feelings of fear and anxiety for the pressure that would come with being on a show of that magnitude, as well as the natural anxieties of performing to people’s, and my own, expectations. Had I not taken the leap of faith and risk, I would have missed out on a wonderful opportunity that not only introduced me to many talented artists, but opened other doors for me professionally. Personally, the risks pay off in the form of cementing one’s own confidence to make decisions that have a positive impact on one’s own life. When you take a risk, especially when the intention is genuine and from the heart, the outcome will always be in your favor.

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.
I’ve always loved to make people laugh. I performed in theater and orchestra growing up, then moved to NYC a few years after graduating from George Mason University (where I studied Government & International Politics, with a double major in Communications). It was not easy. I started from the very bottom; no agent, doing off broadway theater, and then booking supporting roles in two independent feature films. From there I got an agent and booked my first TV gig (USA Network’s mini-series ‘Political Animals’). I booked a few more roles on TV, then moved to LA to continue the dream. I began growing frustrated at the lack of diverse roles, and the lack of material that I felt best suited me. I grew up on SNL, sitcoms, and The Daily Show. I love mixing humor with political satire and real world issues. I feel this is the best way to draw attention to causes and movements. So, I took matters into my own hands and began writing and shooting my own sketches and woman on the street style segments. I did sketches and videos in English and Persian (Farsi) to honor both parts of myself and my culture. It was during this time that I began garnering attention for the work I was creating, which is how more opportunities began presenting themselves to me. It solidified for me that when you are honest in your creativity, while staying true to yourself and your goals, the right things and people will come your way. I’m just an Iranian American funny girl trying to make the world a better place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, things are so limited right now due to Covid, so my list would be edited to reflect that change. I would take them to hike Runyon (obvs) and Griffith, and I’d take them to see Melrose, Fairfax, and The Grove for some shopping. I would definitely take them a bit further into Malibu for a more secluded beach trip, and we’d take advantage of some of the local wineries by sitting outside and enjoying a glass (or two or three) of California’s finest. I would for sure take them to Raffi’s in Glendale for some kabob, and any one of Westwood’s delicious Persian restaurants for food from the motherland. An outdoor dining/bar in downtown or Santa Monica (socially distanced and masked up) would be an option if we were both comfortable. Pre-Covid, I would take them to one of Hollywood’s local comedy venues for some standup.

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?
My shoutouts go to my family for their encouragement and support, especially when it becomes difficult to do so for myself personally. And to my close circle of friends, who have believed in me from day one.

Instagram: @iamnazaninnour
Twitter: @nazaninnour
Facebook: Nazanin Nour
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/nazaninnour

Image Credits
MBC Persia, CBS Television Studios, A Thousand Little Cuts (film)