Sarah Shahi
Sarah Shahi currently stars in the Netflix series Sex/Life as Billie Connelly, a young housewife exploring her sexuality and gender roles through past and current relationships. She is also well known for her roles as Carmen in The L-Word, Sameen Shaw on Person of Interest, and even a brief appearance as Sonya Aragon in The Sopranos. Shahi has just finished working on DC/Warner collaboration Black Adam, which is set to premiere in 2022.
Latex: Vex Latex
Belt: Fendi
Gown: Marmar Halim
Earrings: Chanel
When did you know you wanted to work in the entertainment industry?
For as long as I can remember, since I was a little girl, watching films and acting out as the lead. Playing dress up with makeup, dreaming of becoming an actress. Growing up in Texas, skating on the moon felt more realistic than becoming an actress. I did a play in college, Soapdish, and once that acting bug bit, it bit hard.
Tell us about being a Cheerleader for the Dallas, Cowboys?
It was most definitely a stepping stone for me. They’re a fierce group of women that make Hollywood look like kindergarten. We learned 20 dance numbers a week. It taught me a lot in terms of discipline and really pushing myself to do things even I didn’t know I could. But at times, I accidentally cheered for the wrong team. Haha. I was just so happy SOMEONE caught the ball.
Who in your life have been your biggest inspirations for entering in the industry?
Robert Altman was most definitely my acting angel. I met him while he was in Texas filming Dr. T & the Women. The Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders were extras in the film. I had no clue he was essentially The Godfather of film. One day he asked me what I wanted to do and I told him. He said he thought I had “it,” and that was all I needed to hear. I quit school, hung up my Pom Poms, and drove out west.
Who was your biggest influence growing up?
My mother. And still is to this day. She came to this country not knowing a lick of English, started her own business, and raised 3 kids all by herself. We didn’t have much growing up. But she raised us with so much grace and confidence, we were the richest people in town. She tackled everything with a smile, and never made us feel we were less than others.
Left:
Dress: Luxury Women’s Apparel
Gloves: LaCrasia Gloves
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Right:
Latex: Vex Latex
Belt: Fendi
Gown: Marmar Halim
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Earrings: Chanel
In the past, have you discussed your Iranian heritage and unique cultural upbringing? Could you tell us more about it and the influence it has had on your life and career?
I thought I was white while growing up because my mother never made us feel any different. Haha. She would reiterate that we were no different than anyone else. And it wasn’t until I moved out to LA, where there’s such a melting pot of talent, that I learned you should really lean into the things that make you stand out. But sometimes being ethnic in this industry still can have its drawbacks. I’ve been told many times- I’m too white to play the ethnic chick or too ethnic to play the white chick.
As someone who has played an extremely wide variety of roles, which has been your favorite, and what have you learned from it?
Playing Billie in Sex/Life, scared me at first physically and emotionally. Billie is a character with guts, and wants to have it all, and now, I want to have it all, myself. I feel that I have a bigger set of balls because of her. I realized you’ve got to have the guts to go out and get the life of your dreams. And sometimes that’s scary. But that’s ok. Because courage is fear after it’s said a prayer.
Left:
Glasses: PR SOLO
Gold braided cuff: Karine Sultan
Jacket: John Paul Ataker
Latex Dress: Vex Latex
Right:
Jacket : Grayscale
Latex : Vex Latex
Shoe: Jean-Michel Cazabat
There has been much discussion about the role of the female gaze within “Sex/Life,” and why this sets it apart from other shows dealing with similar topics. Can you elaborate on what this means?
The show is a female centric show, mostly female writers, directors, and is told from a female point of view. It’s the first show depicting and empowering female sexuality. It’s more common to see a man get his needs met on television or film than it is to see a woman’s desires be met. On Mad Men, you have Don Draper, who cheats on his wife, is charming and stylish, and he’s forgiven. But then you take a character like Billie, who’s very honest about questioning her choices, but still technically hasn’t cheated, and she’s judged differently. But this is often the case in society because women are “supposed to be good and obedient.” But men aren’t judged by the same standards. And I hope this show empowers women to speak up, not just for their sexual needs, but for their needs in every area of life. We’ve got one life. We’re meant to squeeze the nectar out of it.
Do you consider yourself a ‘feminist’ and has this influenced your performance on what is widely considered to be an important female-oriented series?
Yes, I am a feminist, but my definition is by owning the truth of who you are.
Left:
Jewelry : Pluma
Dress: MAË PARIS
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Right:
Jacket : Grayscale
Latex : Vex Latex
Shoe: Jean-Michel Cazabat
How do you feel after just having finished shooting the huge Hollywood blockbuster “Black Adam”?
Oh wow. What a blessing it is to be a part of a movie like that. I can’t say much other than I play Adrianna, a freedom fighter who’s leading the charge in the resistance. It comes out next July.
Left:
Jacket: John Paul Ataker
Latex Dress: Vex Latex
Right:
Latex: Vex Latex
Belt: Fendi
Gown: Marmar Halim
Earrings: Chanel
Has it been difficult to manage these two wildly different projects at the same time (meaning “Sex/Life” and “Black Adam”)?
It was back to back for almost a year. Haha. I’m grateful for the break right now. My head is in the clouds, where I like it. And yelling at my kids to brush their teeth. I’m back to the little things.
What is your Social Media?
Sarah Shahi
CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: Sequoia Emmanuelle
Talent: Sarah Shahi
Fashion Stylist: Melvin Sanders
Hair: Richard Collins at TMG-LA
Makeup: Kindra Mann at TMG-LA
Studio: Fairfax Studios
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Junior Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Julia Gastone, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
