Where were you born?
I was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, to an American father and Iranian mother (Golnoush Khaleghi - Ruhollah Khaleghi was my grandfather).

How would you best describe yourself?
Determined, compassionate, honorable.

What did you study in school?
Acting.

People that affected you most in life?
Parents (their virtues and weaknesses have shaped my own); many of my high-school and college teachers; the Landmark Forum; lately, Rabbi Finley, and my wife.

How did you handle growing up Iranian in the US as a young child during such turbulent times as they were in the late 70's throughout the 80's? 
Growing up Iranian in the US has afforded me a more complicated view of issues like racism, racial backlash, etc. I used to be much more black and white about racial backlash and prejudice - after the hostage crisis I developed a persecution complex. But I have recently changed perspective on the issue and learned that I was as much to blame for the interactions where I felt victimized.
 
What made you decide you wanted to act?
I had just switched elementary schools in Virginia in '79. Being the new kid in my sixth-grade class, my teacher introduced me as the "new Iranian student who just came over from where the hostages were, and might be able to answer any questions..." You can imagine the other kids' reaction.

I quickly came to perceive school as a life-threatening place, so I started telling my mother I was too sick to leave my bed. I would concoct pains and vomiting spells so serious that my mom finally took me to doctors and specialists and eventually the hospital. It was an incredibly powerful experience, pretending something so convincingly that even the most seasoned doctors were fooled.

Later that I realized that my lies had caused my parents a financial burden, so I promised myself never to do something like that again, but I knew that when I grew up, I would be an actor - someone whose job it is to pretend circumstances convincingly.

Do you feel that acting is your "calling" in life?
I certainly can't imagine devoting myself to anything else with the same dedication. As a child I always loved to be the center of attention, loved to be playful and to pretend, so I know the muse is strong in me. As an adult actor, I find the traits that got me into the profession are the ones I have to be most careful to avoid. The moment I find myself showing off in a role, I lose my sense of the character and my concentration finds a selfish focus.

Briefly describe life in show biz.
I am never happier than when I am being paid well to do what I love. But show business has proved to be a very challenging ride. Work comes in spurts, then there are long dry spells of auditions and more auditions (which don't pay money but at least offer hope) and the financial challenges implied in such a lifestyle.

On top of that, it's easy to be seduced by the hyped-up lifestyle of the rich and famous Hollywood actor. So emotionally, there is a lot of frustration that comes with the business. At this point I have encountered enough miserable successful people in this industry to know that a TV show and a Bentley don't guarantee fulfillment. But in my weaker moments, I can become jealous of my colleagues when they're on a hot streak.

What is job hunting like in Hollywood for a Middle Eastern male during these times?
In some ways it's been easier since 9/11. There are more complicated roles. But there are more actors competing for those roles too.

Do you feel that you are bound by stereotypes made about Iranian actors/actresses by Iranians?
Generally, unless you're Houshang Tousi or Shohreh Aghdashloo, the Iranian community views the actor as a minstrel and pressures them to hurry up and get a real job. I have been fortunate in that my family and Iranian friends have not subscribed to such stereotypes.

But in LA there is a different stigma to navigate. There are so many people out here who are pursuing acting that it's almost a joke. Many of them have little training or work ethic, so they lend to the stereotype that actors are silly and clueless. If anything, it ads a sense of pride for those of us who are in it for the long haul, with a love for the craft and a willingness to devote our lives to it, because in our hearts we believe that even failure would be better than doing something else for a living.

What would be your advice for up coming students and fellow Iranians who are considering acting as a profession?
If it's a toss up between acting and something else, do something else. If they're sure that acting is the only thing that will make them happy, then get a mentor - someone who is more accomplished and trained than they are. Take them out to lunch for an interview every few months and get a feeling for how a professional lives and how he or she copes with it all. Then, follow their lead.

What's next on your plate? 
I have a recurring role on CBS's "JAG" this month. Ramin Serry's "Maryam" is out on DVD at Blockbuster. I'm co-writing a novel, which should hit book stores late next year. And of course, lots of auditions, so there could be more news in another week or so. Or not. That's part of what's scary (and magical) about being an actor.