Sitara Attaie is a face you might know from Stumptown or recently on Homeland staring as “Samira Noori”. As an Afghan actress, raised in the Netherlands Sitara is working to use her platform for change. She is passionate about immigration, refugees, and wants to give a voice to the voiceless and a face to the faceless. Before becoming an actress this powerhouse woman worked as a full-time English teacher and freelance journalist. Her fluency in 5 languages only adds to her eclectic and impressive charm… We met up in the arts district of downtown Los Angeles to shoot and to have a quick chat. Sitara is a spot of bright light in an industry that can be a challenge to stay vibrant in.

Talent: Sitara Attaie

Photo: Weslee Kate

Who are you?

I’m a human citizen of our planet playing the game of “make-believe” as an Afghan-American actress here in Hollywood.

What does authenticity mean to you and how do you carry it into your career?

I’ve lived in 4 different continents, 5 different countries,s and I’m fluent in multiple languages. I’ve been part of many different cultures. Navigating through those and finding yourself can be challenging, but is also very rewarding. The nuances in the languages, cuisines, and cultures are things you can only learn by experiencing it. Those experiences have given me many tools I use as an actor in my work.

Authenticity to me means genuinely BEING YOURSELF! Being as YOU as you can be. Learning about who you are, accepting it and then being it unapologetically. I love the quote: “Do you, be you, for you!”

What is the hardest part of your job?

The rejection and sometimes the waiting to hear back.

What are your views on diversity and women in TV right now?

I’m extremely happy to see more diversity and more women in Hollywood. But we still have a long way to go. Things have improved a lot but we need more stories of the diverse women residing in the States today. We need more shows with women telling their stories about their modern-day struggles.

Favorite place you have ever lived and why?

It is where I’m living now ... California! I love it here because of its amazing weather and because I can do what I love doing the most: being a Hollywood actor.

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty means inner peace & happiness which exudes on the outside. It means confidence and acceptance of all of you. Appreciating your favorite features but also accepting your perfect imperfections.

Favorite quote/ book/ or song?

Book: Divine Intuition by Lynn Robinson

Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

Song: Too many to name, lol! But my latest favorite song I can’t get enough of is TOCAME. It’s such a feel-good song.

Quotes: There are way too many of those too but my recent favorite is: “Do you, be you, for you!”

Best post-filming meal?

Thai yellow curry & Tom Ka soup!

How are you kind to yourself?

I love walking in nature and listening to nice relaxing music. I love getting massages and going to the spa. And I LOVE MEDITATING!

What’s next?

Lots of good, fun stuff coming up! Make sure you follow me on social media to keep up!

Meet Actress Sitara Attaie