David Diaan,[1] also known as David Davoodian, is a Los Angeles–based actor, writer, producer, and entrepreneur. He is best known for his satirical plays and his hilarious approach to issues surrounding the Iranian American community in the United States. He is an avid humanitarian and activist, especially in respect to the struggles of the freedom seeking citizens of his homeland, Iran.

David Diaan
Born
Fariborz Davoodian

Other namesDavid Davoodian
Occupation(s)Actor, writer, producer, entrepreneur
Years active1992–present
Websitewww.MrSublime.com

Early life

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He was born Fariborz Davoodian in Iran during the era of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. His father, Elias Davoodian, was a textile distributor who had built a reputation as a trustworthy businessman. As a hobby, David's father Elias, would produce and act in community theater productions and was quite popular in his small town in Iran. His mother, Eshrat Moluk, was born into a family of prominent physicians. As a young girl, she possessed a gift for singing, but her strict parents never allowed her to perform professionally. His parents' appreciation of performing arts were an early influence on Diaan's aspirations in the entertainment industry.

Education and career

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At the age of 16, Diaan left Iran and moved to Columbia, Missouri in the Midwestern United States to continue his education. There, he attended David H. Hickman High School. Afterwards, he went on the study Radio, Television and Journalism at the prestigious University of Missouri. However, David's ambitions of returning to his homeland to become a famous talk show host were postponed due to the sudden changes in the social and political climate of his country after the Iranian Revolution. Iran and the United States had at this point become enemies. Left virtually stranded away from home, David took a job as a marketing agent for a national houseware wholesaler to earn his tuition money. Prior to finishing college, David had already established himself as successful young entrepreneur. Soon after, he moved to Los Angeles, California and co-founded The Express Group, Inc. which later transformed into deliverLA.com.[2] Among his other entrepreneurial endeavors is his partnership in SOGOLI, Inc[3]., a company which designs and manufactures high end custom jewelry in the United States and exports to various countries.

Artistic career

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Diaan's experience in the entertainment industry began when he started "Liquid Productions" in Los Angeles, California together with other talents such as now well-known comedian Maz Jobrani. This young group wrote and produced the first Iranian/American play in English which became an instant hit amongst the younger generation.His popular theater company which produced successful shows such as The Belind Date, The 99 Cent Family[4] and Death Comedy has toured across the United States and Canada. Since then, Diaan has written and produced multiple theatrical plays, hosted his own popular radio show on KIRN 670 AM, and produced and hosted a television show for channel one TV named “It's a mad mad mad mad world". His television show reached millions of Iranians worldwide through satellite and internet.

Despite the risks attached to this journey, Diaan returned to his homeland after 24 years in the summer of 2000, to direct and produce the touching and informative documentary Iran is My Home. This film was an official selection at the IFP Los Angeles Film Festival. In 2004 he took his first stab at screenplay writing for a feature film entitled The Apology. The screenplay won first prize at the Slamdance Film Festival's screenplay competition.[5] Diaan's production company, Sublime Entertainment, has produced independent feature films such as Otis E. starring Kevin Durand and Peter Storemare, America So Beautiful and The Dogwalker. Diaan's dramatic performance alongside Academy Award nominee, Shohreh Aghdashloo in The Stoning of Soraya M.,[6] earned him high praise and excellent reviews. In 2012, his performance as prime minister Mossadegh, in a film by the same title, earned him the best actor prize at the San Antonio Film Festival.

Personal life

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Diaan resides in Los Angeles, California with his family. He travels with his theater group to different cities and communities across the United States and Canada. He also contributes much of his time and talent to various charitable organizations.

Filmography

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Year Movie/Project Role Notes
2020 I Do Not![7] Mohamad (Short)
2019 Forgive Me[8] (Short)
2019 Cuck[9] Abbas
2018 Little King[10] Babak (Short)
2018 Roya[11] Farhad (Short)
2017 Children of the Revolution[12] Manuchehr (Short)
2016 The Persian Connection[13] Danush
2016 1979 Revolution: Black Friday[14] Hamoyoon Shirazi (Video Game)
2015 Roksana[15] Hamid (Short)
2015 Baba Joon[16] Dariush
2015 In Her Place[17] Ali (Short)
2014 The Interview[18] Palestinian President
2013 Frankly, Rebecca[19] Dr. Arkin (Short)
2013 Silk[20] Sameer (Short)
2012 Revolution[21] Ahmad (Short)
2012 Mossadegh[22] Mohammad Mossadegh (Short)
2010 Nose Job[23] Roya's Father (Short)
2010 Peep World[24] Hari
2009 Speaking of Baghdad[25] Hesitant Man (Documentary Short)
2009 The Colony[26] Trader (Documentary)
2009 Convict[27] Hamid
2008 The Stoning of Soraya M.[28] Ebrahim
2007 The Ten[29] Landlord
2006 Art School Confidential[30] Future Critic #1
2004 Air[31] Mr. Amrani/Father (Short)
2003 Iran Is My Home[32] Self (Documentary)
2003 Irangeles[33] Hamid Azizi
2002 The Dogwalker[34] Angry Client
2002 I Call Myself Persian[35] Self (Documentary)
2001 America So Beautiful[36] Parviz

Television

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Year Show Role Notes
2020 SEAL Team[37] Akhtar Zahed 2 episodes
2020 DC's Legends of Tomorrow[38] Mr. Tarazi "Miss Me, Kiss Me, Love Me"[39]
2018 S.W.A.T.[40] Terzian "Fire and Smoke"[41]
2017 Curb Your Enthusiasm[42] Consul "The Pickle Gambit"[43]
2016-17 Valet[44] Houshang Hakimi 6 episodes
2015 Madam Secretary[45] Shakya "Waiting for Taleju"[46]
2015 The Brink[47] General Ahmed Ali 4 episodes
2015 Bones[48] Omid Turan "The Murder in the Middle East"[49]
2015 NCIS: Los Angeles[50] Vakeel Shah "Fighting Shadows"[51]
2014 Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.[52] Elias "Making Friends and Influencing People"[53]
2013 Homeland[54] Masud Sherazi 2 episodes
2011 Wainy Days[55] Hotel Manager "Kelly and Arielle Part 2"[56]
2011 NCIS[57] Farid Bawali "Safe Harbor"[58]
2010 Weeds[59] Daoud Mahmud 2 episodes
2010 Parks and Recreation[60] Saïd "Leslie's House"[61]
2008 The Unit[62] Vet "Shadow Riders"[63]
2008 Quarterlife[64] Victor "Home Sweet Home"[65]

References

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  1. ^ "David Diaan". IMDb. Retrieved 2021-03-25.
  2. ^ "Home - DeliverLA | Any time, any day, right away. We Deliver LA". DeliverLA. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  3. ^ "Sogoli Jewelry Home". www.sogolijewelry.com. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  4. ^ "The 99 Cent Family". The 99 Cent Family. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  5. ^ "Slamdance's door is open - Los Angeles Times". Articles.latimes.com. 2005-06-22. Retrieved 2014-01-06.
  6. ^ N. "David Diaan Information". Fandango.com. Retrieved 2014-01-06.
  7. ^ Asha, Yasmine, I Do Not! (Short, Comedy), Lidiya Korotko, Navid Navid, Jann Karam, David Diaan, retrieved 2021-04-05
  8. ^ Winstanley, Chelsea (2019-10-25), Forgive Me (Short, Drama), Mojean Aria, Shaun Toub, Shila Ommi, David Diaan, retrieved 2021-04-05
  9. ^ Lambert, Rob (2019-10-04), Cuck (Crime, Drama, Thriller), Zachary Ray Sherman, Sally Kirkland, Timothy V. Murphy, Monique Parent, Rimrock Pictures, retrieved 2021-04-05
  10. ^ Winstanley, Chelsea (2018-11-01), Little King (Short, Drama), Mariana Alagon, David Diaan, Afsheen Misaghi, Shila Ommi, retrieved 2021-04-05
  11. ^ Pakravan, Shaina (2018-07-29), Roya (Short, Comedy, Drama, Family), Mary Apick, Rachel Benezra, David Diaan, Vida Ghahremani, retrieved 2021-04-05
  12. ^ Bina, Michael A.; Shekarchian, Shawn (2017-11-14), Children of the Revolution (Short, Drama, Family, History, War), David Diaan, Nima Jafari, Roxana Rastegar, retrieved 2021-04-05
  13. ^ Grove, Daniel (2016-04-15), The Loner (Action, Crime, Mystery, Thriller), Reza Sixo Safai, Helena Mattsson, Parviz Sayyad, Julian Sands, Black Light District, retrieved 2021-04-05
  14. ^ Khonsari, Navid (2016-04-05), 1979 Revolution: Black Friday (Action, Adventure, Drama, History, War), Navid Negahban, Bobby Naderi, Farshad Farahat, Omid Abtahi, iNK Stories, retrieved 2021-04-05
  15. ^ Pakravan, Shaina, Roksana (Short, Comedy, Drama, Romance), Sudi Burnett, David Diaan, Tara Grammy, Dylan Kamm, retrieved 2021-04-05
  16. ^ Delshad, Yuval (2015-10-15), Baba Joon (Drama), Navid Negahban, Asher Avrahami, David Diaan, Rafael Eliasi, Metro Communications, retrieved 2021-04-05
  17. ^ Hamedani, Kevin (2015-06-15), In Her Place (Short, Drama), Sheila Vand, David Diaan, Tannaz Shastiri, Robert Paul Taylor, retrieved 2021-04-05
  18. ^ Goldberg, Evan; Rogen, Seth (2014-12-24), The Interview (Action, Adventure, Comedy), James Franco, Seth Rogen, Randall Park, Lizzy Caplan, Columbia Pictures, LStar Capital, Point Grey Pictures, retrieved 2021-04-05
  19. ^ Roudbari, Shahaub (2013-10-19), Frankly, Rebecca (Short, Comedy), Melanie Munt, Brett Loudermilk, David Diaan, James Lyons, Short Pajamas, retrieved 2021-04-05
  20. ^ Dent, Catherine (2013-03-14), Silk (Short, Drama), Shohreh Aghdashloo, Saye Yabandeh, David Diaan, Sabrina Perez, Hot Tin Roof Productions, retrieved 2021-04-05
  21. ^ Nazemian, Abdi (2012-10-21), Revolution (Short, Drama, Family), Mojean Aria, Sunday Burke, Zach Cumer, David Diaan, retrieved 2021-04-05
  22. ^ Dadvand, Roozbeh (2012-06-24), Mossadegh (Short, Drama, History), David Diaan, Sam R. Ross, Bobby Naderi, Dominic Rains, retrieved 2021-04-05
  23. ^ Akhavan, Desiree (2011-03-01), Nose Job (Short, Comedy, Drama), Nikki Amirsaleh, David Diaan, retrieved 2021-04-05
  24. ^ Blaustein, Barry W. (2011-03-25), Peep World (Comedy, Drama), Michael C. Hall, Sarah Silverman, Rainn Wilson, Lewis Black, Occupant Entertainment, retrieved 2021-04-05
  25. ^ Larkin, George, Speaking of Baghdad (Documentary, Short, Drama, War), Jamila Alina, Elisa K. Blandford, Sanjay Chandani, Naz Deravian, retrieved 2021-04-05
  26. ^ Mead, Nick (2009-05-03), The Colony (Documentary), Andre Alexsen, Francis Bacon, Albert H. Bongard IV, Ray Chavez Jr, retrieved 2021-04-05
  27. ^ Phillips, Jeff Daniel (2009-10-25), Otis E. (Thriller), Kevin Durand, Tammy Trull, Dorie Barton, Dan Bell, Sublime Entertainment, retrieved 2021-04-05
  28. ^ Nowrasteh, Cyrus (2009-10-09), The Stoning of Soraya M. (Drama), Shohreh Aghdashloo, Jim Caviezel, Mozhan Marnò, Navid Negahban, Roadside Attractions, Mpower Distribution, Mpower Pictures, retrieved 2021-04-05
  29. ^ Wain, David (2008-04-25), The Ten (Comedy, Romance), Paul Rudd, Jessica Alba, Winona Ryder, Adam Brody, City Lights Pictures, Inverted Film, Jade Films, retrieved 2021-04-05
  30. ^ Zwigoff, Terry (2006-05-12), Art School Confidential (Comedy, Drama, Romance), Max Minghella, Sophia Myles, John Malkovich, Jim Broadbent, United Artists, Sony Pictures Classics, Mr. Mudd, retrieved 2021-04-05
  31. ^ Delara, Youssef (2004-01-01), Air (Short), Roya Aryanpad, Allison Brainerd, Michael Catlin, Justin Charles, retrieved 2021-04-05
  32. ^ Diaan, David, Iran Is My Home, David Diaan, Adam Films, retrieved 2021-04-05
  33. ^ Keller, Michael (2003-10-16), Irangeles (Comedy, Romance), Dan Wells, Noah Knight, Michael Keller, Carolena Sabah, Cherokee Music Group, Relic Productions, retrieved 2021-04-05
  34. ^ Thelemaque, Jacques (2002-03-03), The Dogwalker (Drama), Diane Gaidry, Pamela Gordon, Lyn Vaus, Lisa Jane Persky, Bigfoot Entertainment, Filmmakers Alliance, retrieved 2021-04-05
  35. ^ Eshaghian, Tanaz; Nodjoumi, Sara, I Call Myself Persian (Documentary, Short), David Diaan, retrieved 2021-04-05
  36. ^ Shokrian, Babak (2003-04-30), America So Beautiful (Drama), Atossa Leoni, Belinda Waymouth, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Mansour, retrieved 2021-04-05
  37. ^ SEAL Team (Action, Drama, War), David Boreanaz, Max Thieriot, Neil Brown Jr, A. J. Buckley, East 25C, Chulack Productions, Timberman-Beverly Productions, 2017-09-27, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  38. ^ Legends of Tomorrow (Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi), Caity Lotz, Amy Louise Pemberton, Dominic Purcell, Brandon Routh, Berlanti Productions, Bonanza Productions, DC Entertainment, 2016-01-21, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  39. ^ Geddes, David (2020-02-04), Miss Me, Kiss Me, Love Me (Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi), Brandon Routh, Caity Lotz, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Tala Ashe, Berlanti Productions, Bonanza Productions, DC Entertainment, retrieved 2021-04-05
  40. ^ S.W.A.T. (Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Thriller), Kenny Johnson, Shemar Moore, Alex Russell, Lina Esco, MiddKid Productions, Kansas Art Productions, Original Film, 2017-11-02, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  41. ^ Gierhart, Billy (2018-10-11), Fire and Smoke (Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Thriller), Shemar Moore, Stephanie Sigman, Alex Russell, Lina Esco, MiddKid Productions, Kansas Art Productions, Original Film, retrieved 2021-04-05
  42. ^ Curb Your Enthusiasm (Comedy), Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, Home Box Office (HBO), Production Partners, 2000-10-15, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  43. ^ Steinberg, David (2017-10-08), The Pickle Gambit (Comedy), Larry David, Jeff Garlin, Cheryl Hines, Susie Essman, retrieved 2021-04-05
  44. ^ Valet (Comedy), Cassandra Van Dongen, Kean Eli, Ryan Blewett, Anna Brisbin, Stage 2 Media, 2016-07-24, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  45. ^ Madam Secretary (Drama), Téa Leoni, Tim Daly, Erich Bergen, Zeljko Ivanek, Barbara Hall Productions, Revelations Entertainment, CBS Television Studios, 2014-09-21, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  46. ^ Alcalá, Félix Enríquez (2015-10-25), Waiting for Taleju (Drama), Téa Leoni, Tim Daly, Keith Carradine, Patina Miller, Barbara Hall Productions, Revelations Entertainment, CBS Television Studios, retrieved 2021-04-05
  47. ^ The Brink (Comedy), Jack Black, Tim Robbins, Pablo Schreiber, Aasif Mandvi, Everyman Pictures, Home Box Office (HBO), Jerry Weintraub Productions, 2015-06-21, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  48. ^ Bones (Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Romance), Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Michaela Conlin, T. J. Thyne, Far Field Productions, Josephson Entertainment, 20th Century Fox Television, 2005-09-13, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  49. ^ Cheylov, Milan (2015-05-14), The Murder in the Middle East (Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Romance), Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Michaela Conlin, Tamara Taylor, Josephson Entertainment, Far Field Productions, 20th Century Fox Television, retrieved 2021-04-05
  50. ^ NCIS: Los Angeles (Action, Crime, Drama), Chris O'Donnell, Daniela Ruah, Barrett Foa, Linda Hunt, Shane Brennan Productions, CBS Television Studios, Belisarius Productions, 2009-09-22, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  51. ^ Wharmby, Tony (2015-03-23), Fighting Shadows (Action, Crime, Drama), Chris O'Donnell, Daniela Ruah, Eric Christian Olsen, Barrett Foa, Shane Brennan Productions, CBS Television Studios, retrieved 2021-04-05
  52. ^ Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller), Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Brett Dalton, Iain De Caestecker, ABC Signature, Mutant Enemy, Marvel Television, 2013-09-24, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  53. ^ Roth, Bobby (2014-10-07), Making Friends and Influencing People (Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller), Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Brett Dalton, Chloe Bennet, Mutant Enemy, Mutant Enemy, ABC Signature, retrieved 2021-04-05
  54. ^ Homeland (Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller), Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin, Damian Lewis, Rupert Friend, Teakwood Lane Productions, Cherry Pie Productions, Keshet Broadcasting, 2011-10-02, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  55. ^ Wainy Days (Comedy, Romance), David Wain, Zandy Hartig, Matt Ballard, A. D. Miles, 2007-07-30, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  56. ^ Wain, David, Kelly and Arielle Part 2 (Comedy, Romance), Lizzy Caplan, David Diaan, Zandy Hartig, Erinn Hayes, Abominable Pictures, City Lights Media Group, Inverted Films, retrieved 2021-04-05
  57. ^ NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service (Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller), Mark Harmon, David McCallum, Sean Murray, Pauley Perrette, Belisarius Productions, Paramount Network Television, CBS Paramount Network Television, 2003-09-23, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  58. ^ O'Hara, Terrence (2011-10-18), Safe Harbor (Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller), Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Cote de Pablo, Pauley Perrette, Belisarius Productions, CBS Television Studios, retrieved 2021-04-05
  59. ^ Weeds (Comedy, Crime, Drama), Mary-Louise Parker, Hunter Parrish, Alexander Gould, Kevin Nealon, Lions Gate Television, Tilted Productions, Weeds Productions, 2005-08-07, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  60. ^ Parks and Recreation (Comedy), Amy Poehler, Jim O'Heir, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, Deedle-Dee Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment, Universal Media Studios (UMS), 2009-04-09, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  61. ^ Hardcastle, Alex (2010-01-21), Leslie's House (Comedy), Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Paul Schneider, Aziz Ansari, Deedle-Dee Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment, Fremulon, retrieved 2021-04-05
  62. ^ The Unit (Action, Drama, Thriller, War), Dennis Haysbert, Regina Taylor, Audrey Marie Anderson, Robert Patrick, David Mamet Chicago, MiddKid Productions, 20th Century Fox Television, 2006-03-07, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  63. ^ Moosekian, Vahan (2008-11-23), Shadow Riders (Action, Drama, Thriller, War), Dennis Haysbert, Regina Taylor, Robert Patrick, Audrey Marie Anderson, Bay Kinescope, MiddKid Productions, 20th Century Fox Television, retrieved 2021-04-05
  64. ^ Quarterlife (Drama), Elizabeth Tulloch, Maite Schwartz, David Walton, Majandra Delfino, The Bedford Falls Company, 2008-02-28, retrieved 2021-04-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  65. ^ Stoltz, Eric (2008-03-09), Home Sweet Home (Drama), Elizabeth Tulloch, Katie Calahan, Kevin Christy, Majandra Delfino, The Bedford Falls Company, retrieved 2021-04-05
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