“The Pitt”’s Sepideh Moafi Recalls Her First Agent Telling Her to Change Her Name to Get Acting Roles: ‘I Said F— No’ (Exclusive)

**Sepideh Moafi: Staying True to Herself in the Acting World**

Actress Sepideh Moafi has spoken candidly about her journey in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding her decision to retain her name amidst industry pressures. Currently starring in the second season of *The Pitt*, Moafi, 40, reflects on her experiences since graduating from the University of California Irvine’s MFA program in 2013.

In an interview, Moafi shared how her first agent suggested she should change her name to increase her chances of securing roles. “When I graduated from grad school, my first agent wanted me to change my name and I immediately said, f— no,” she asserted, reinforcing her commitment to authenticity in a field often driven by image.

While recognising that many actors have altered their names without judgement, Moafi highlighted the pressures faced by people of colour in the industry. She noted, “I know a lot of actors, specifically people of colour, who have been expected to change their name and haven’t.” The decision to change one’s name can be deeply personal and complex, and she added that she sees no issue with individuals who choose to do so.

Moafi reflected on the implications of such choices, stating, “It felt like they needed me to be someone different in order to work or to sell something. I refused. I continued, and I ended up booking my first job and then my second and third, and having a beautiful varied career as a result.” This determination has allowed her to navigate the competitive landscape of Hollywood successfully.

The actress also expressed her hope that those who decide to change their names do so for themselves rather than due to external pressures to conform to what is perceived as more universally acceptable. “I hope anyone who makes that choice makes it for themselves and not because they feel like they need to change who they are in order to be more universally palatable,” she remarked.

In *The Pitt*, Moafi portrays Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi, a tech-savvy physician who is brought in to cover for Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch, played by Noah Wyle, during his three-month sabbatical. While the two work closely together, they often clash over their distinct approaches to the medical profession. Moafi’s character confronts Robby for failing to treat her as an equal, a moment she describes as relatable for any woman in leadership.

“That moment is so relatable for any woman in any field, particularly in positions of power,” she noted. Moafi emphasised that such issues are deeply rooted in systemic norms and often permeate interactions in the workplace, even among women leaders. “We have this patriarchal lens, and some women think they need to maintain these rather patriarchal norms to uphold and exist within the system,” she added.

Reflecting on her role, Moafi described the experience as “kind of cathartic.” She expressed that portraying Dr. Al-Hashimi allowed her to voice larger societal issues beyond mere entertainment. “As the actor inside of Dr. Al-Hashimi, I felt like I was voicing something that was so much bigger than that moment,” she explained.

*The Pitt* has been well-received, and new episodes of the second season air every Thursday at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on HBO Max. Moafi’s insights into her career and the challenges faced by her character highlight ongoing discussions about identity, authenticity, and gender dynamics in the workplace. Her steadfastness in staying true to herself serves as an inspiration to many aspiring actors navigating similar experiences in the entertainment industry.