Mohsen Ghaffari

When did it all start?

My journey in acting truly began in Tehran, where I attended drama school and worked with different theatre companies. When I moved to London, I faced some big challenges-starting from scratch in a completely new cultural and linguistic environment. But despite those obstacles, I was determined to keep pursuing my passion. After a very short time in London, I had my first breakthrough: performing as Bottom in a shortened version of *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* at the Almeida Theatre. After that experience, I threw myself into the industry. I made contacts wherever I could and volunteered with various theatre groups and companies to gain experience and become part of the theatre community. My journey continued at The Poor School, where I received professional acting training. While I learned a lot, I realized there were gaps in my understanding of different theatre traditions. So in 2018, I decided to go to university and deepen my knowledge, and I ended up graduating in Theatre and Drama Studies from Royal Holloway, University of London, in 2021. When the pandemic hit, my career took an unexpected turn. With theatres closing, I found myself getting opportunities in screen work-starting with commercials and then

If you were an advertisement, what would your slogan be?

I Bring the World to Life-One Role at a Time

What does your career mean to you?

Oh, that’s a big question! Honestly, my career means the world to me. Acting is my first love; I can’t imagine doing anything else that brings me as much joy. It’s not just a job; it’s a passion that fuels me every day. Each role gives me the chance to step into someone else’s shoes and dive into different lives and stories, which is both exciting and humbling. Whether I’m on stage or in front of a camera, I’m always grateful for the opportunity to connect with people, tell stories, and evoke emotions. It’s a privilege to share my craft with the world, and at the end of the day, it’s about creating moments that resonate with people and hopefully making them feel something. Let’s be honest-I get to play pretend for a living, and I truly can’t think of a better job!

What is your main motivation?

Well, when I think about it, my main motivation, you know, stems from the incredible power of storytelling. There’s something magical about how stories can connect us, inspire us, and even provoke change. I’ve always believed that acting is a way to shine a light on different experiences and perspectives, and knowing that I can contribute to that is, like, profoundly motivating. When I step into a character’s shoes, I get to explore their world and emotions, which often mirrors our own in some way, you know what I mean? It’s a beautiful reminder of our shared humanity. I also find motivation in the challenges that come with each role. Each character presents a unique puzzle to solve, and figuring out how to portray them authentically keeps me engaged and eager to learn. But ultimately, what drives me the most is the impact my work can have on others. Whether it’s evoking laughter, empathy, or even just a moment of reflection, knowing that I can touch someone’s heart or spark a conversation through my performances is what really fuels my passion. So, yeah, it’s a blend of storytelling, personal growth, and the desire to connect with people that keeps me going.

What is the part you enjoy the most? And the worst?

Oh, that’s easy! It’s that magical moment when I meet the character I’m going to play. At first, they seem almost naked, like a blank canvas just waiting to be brought to life. As I start to connect with them, I find the right clothes, movement, voice, and tone to really embody their world. And honestly, what makes it even more exciting is the whole collaborative process. Working with a talented cast and crew is just amazing. We share ideas, bounce off each other’s creativity, and, you know, it feels like we’re all piecing together a puzzle. There’s this electric energy in rehearsals that just sparks something special. When I’m fully immersed in the role, and it feels like I’m living their story, it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s that moment on stage or in front of the camera when everything just clicks, and I can really see the impact of my performance on the audience. That rush of energy and excitement-that’s absolutely my favorite part of the job! As for the worst part, it’s definitely the short nature of this business. You get to work with some incredible artists who become like family. You work together, share meals, laugh, cry, and essentially live together for a fairly short time. Then, at the end of a project, you have to say goodbye and move on to the next one. I really find that aspect tough. I hate saying goodbye to people, knowing that I might never work with the same team again. Sure, I might cross paths with some of the same artists in different projects, but it’s almost impossible for the exact same group to come together again. That makes parting bittersweet, and it’s definitely one of the hardest parts of my job.

Who are your idols?

Oh wow, that’s a tough one! There are so many amazing actors I admire, like Anthony Hopkins, Ian McKellen, and Meryl Streep. How can you choose between legends like Al Pacino and Dustin Hoffman? And don’t get me started on Judi Dench, Morgan Freeman, and the late Robin Williams-their work is just inspiring! I could go on forever, honestly. It’s so hard to pick just a few!

In case you need a break in your career, what else would you like to do?

If I ever need a break, I’d want to travel the world. I’d love to see the pyramids in Egypt, experience the cultures in South America, and explore India. I’m also interested in the landscapes and wildlife in Africa and the unique beauty of Madagascar. Japan fascinates me too. Along with looking for opportunities to train in different acting styles, I’d love to learn new skills outside of acting-anything that helps me grow and become a better person. It’s funny, though—no matter where I go, I’d probably still find myself thinking about acting and how those experiences could inspire my work. (laughs) I guess I just can’t escape it!

Do you consider that nowadays there are more or less opportunities for new artists? Why?

I think there are definitely more opportunities for new artists today. With all these streaming platforms and social media, it feels like there are countless ways to showcase your talent, whether it’s online or on stage. It’s exciting to see how emerging artists can reach a global audience that wasn’t really possible before. But, you know, it’s also getting super competitive out there. There’s just so much content available, and it can be really tough for someone new to stand out. Sometimes, I think it’s overwhelming trying to figure out where to start or how to carve out your own space in such a crowded field. So, while there are definitely more doors open now, the journey to get through those doors can feel a bit daunting. It really takes persistence and a willingness to learn along the way.

What would your idyllic life be like?

Oh, that’s a fun question! My ideal life would definitely blend acting, travel, and quality time with my partner and loved ones. I envision a cozy home where I can gather friends and family, sharing delicious meals and great stories. Professionally, I want my work to take me to different corners of the globe. I’m eagerly anticipating my turn to perform at iconic venues like Shakespeare’s Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company, and I can’t wait to make my return to the National Theatre. Ideally, I’d have a mix of thrilling films, heartfelt theatre projects, and even some lighthearted voiceover work for animated films. A few good commercials wouldn’t hurt either! (laughs) I also want to carve out time for myself whether it’s picking up a new skill that sparks my interest or diving into a hobby that brings me joy. I cherish those quiet moments to reflect and recharge, you know? I’m all about trying random things, like taking a diving course or even learning to fly a helicopter. I’m open to whatever my imagination can dream up! (laughs) For me, it’s about finding that balance-making my work meaningful while living a life filled with adventure and genuine connections.

What are your next projects?

Well, we’re nearing the end of our run of Ostan at the Park Theatre in London, which wraps up on the 12th of October. In this play, I portray an Iranian Kurdish character who runs a car wash in London, navigating the complexities of life and identity while getting entangled in the shady business of smuggling people across the Channel. Now, here’s some very exciting news-I can finally share details about a new TV series that I played a regular role in called The Deal! This series is produced by a fantastic Swiss/French company, and it follows Swiss diplomat Alexandra Weiss, who unexpectedly finds herself leading crucial negotiations between the USA and Iran in Geneva. The plot dives deep into the challenges of maintaining Swiss neutrality during this significant diplomatic moment. I can’t wait for everyone to see it when it releases in early 2025. I’ve also wrapped another TV series for a major streaming channel, but that one’s still under NDA, so I can’t say much yet. Ultimately, each project is another step in my journey as an actor, and I hope to continue sharing stories that resonate with audiences. Stay tuned-there’s so much more to come!