David Dastmalchian was told to change his surname to succeed in Hollywood
Early in David Dastmalchian’s screen career, one Chicago casting director saw two possibilities for him: a cab driver or a terrorist. The American actor, whose father was Iranian, had been playing a much wider range of characters on stage to that point, but the auditions coming his way offered little opportunity to do the same on camera. “I remember in the beginning of my career being told,…
David Dastmalchian, a versatile actor of Iranian descent, has faced the challenge of racial typecasting since his early career in Hollywood. Early casting directors saw him primarily as a cab driver or terrorist, stifling his range as an on-camera performer. Despite his stage experience showcasing his ability to play diverse roles, Dastmalchian was advised to change his surname to increase his chances of success.
However, he resisted this suggestion, wanting to pursue any role he could obtain. His persistence paid off, as he went on to act in a wide range of films, including superhero movies, science fiction, and horror. Notable roles include playing M Bison in the Street Fighter adaptation and Jack Delroy in the Abu Dhabi-produced Late Night with the Devil.
Dastmalchian attributes his success to the directors and casting directors who recognized his talent beyond his ethnicity. He emphasizes the importance of allowing actors of any background to pursue any role they desire, emphasizing that acting is a universal art. Street Fighter, the film where he stars as M Bison, is currently playing in cinemas across the Middle East.
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