Necar Zadegan is a rare kind of actress. Her presence on stage and screen is undeniable, but what truly sets her apart is the richness she brings to every role—a reflection of a life steeped in artistic exploration and deep academic curiosity. For Zadegan, acting has never been a passive pursuit; it is an all-encompassing craft, one that demands attention to detail, a love for storytelling, and a deep connection with every character she embodies.
Her journey began early, shaped by formative years spent touring as a teenager in productions across London and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. “I really thrived in that environment,” she says, “and it certainly made me want to move more towards it.” The path forward was clear, but Zadegan’s academic pursuits took her from California to Paris, where she studied at Sorbonne University—allowing her to cultivate a rare blend of performance and intellect. It’s this duality that Zadegan credits for much of her success. “Studying other art forms broadens one’s understanding of their own. It helped me shape my taste in stories and how I want to tell them.”
On Broadway, Zadegan made her debut alongside Robin Williams in “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo,” a once-in-a-lifetime experience that she reflects on with awe. “It felt thrilling every night,” she says. “Robin was part of our cast, so we did a lot of press. Sometimes it felt wild, but amidst all that, our focus was always on performance.” It’s a moment in her career that embodies the seriousness with which she approaches her craft—a focus on quiet, professional commitment even in the spotlight’s glare.
That same commitment is evident in her work on hit shows like “24” and “NCIS: New Orleans,” where Zadegan seamlessly transitions between First Lady and Special Agent. “I start fresh with every project,” she explains. “The story guides my preparation, and it’s different every time.” This fluidity is what makes Zadegan such a magnetic force onscreen—whether she’s embodying a powerful political figure or navigating the complexities of her role as Assistant D.A. Evelyn Foley in Taylor Sheridan’s gritty “Mayor of Kingstown.”
But it’s not just her presence on television that has earned her acclaim. Zadegan’s portrayal of real-life figures, like the Queen of Iran in “Masters of Sex,” has highlighted her ability to marry historical accuracy with a distinct artistic interpretation. “I familiarized myself with the essence of the character,” she notes, “but it’s the intimate nature of what drives them that allows it to go beyond mimicry.”
Beyond her work with industry giants like Steven Spielberg and Sean Bean, it’s clear that Zadegan’s career is defined by a commitment to growth. “The bigger the giants, the smoother the process,” she says with a smile, offering an insight into how she navigates working with such legendary figures.
Her accolades might suggest otherwise, but Zadegan doesn’t dwell on the pressures that come with recognition. “I focus on the work, and I always have,” she says simply. It’s this grounded approach that keeps her both balanced and introspective, though she admits the line between personal life and career is often blurred. “I don’t know that I find balance, sometimes it feels imbalanced, but I try to keep good boundaries and make time for things that are important.”
One thing that remains central to Zadegan is her Persian heritage, something that informs her choices in meaningful ways. “I’ve passed on roles that weren’t aligned with my views,” she says. “I’m aware of the power of this work and its ability to shape mindsets.”
Looking ahead, Zadegan is excited about future projects, including her work on the Russo Brothers’ upcoming film The Electric State. Yet, even with such a rich career already behind her, she remains as curious as ever. Whether she’s exploring musical films, period dramas, or her newfound interest in clown and mask work, Zadegan shows no signs of slowing down. “I don’t know if I’ve played that career-defining role yet,” she says. “Maybe it’s still ahead of me.”
It’s this sense of constant exploration and discovery that makes Necar Zadegan a force in Hollywood—a performer who is always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and, in the process, revealing new layers of herself with every role.
Follow Necar Zadegan @necarzadegan
Credits:
Written by Kacey Perez | @studioblume_
Photography by Reto Sterchi | @retosterchi
