BY IRVIN RIVERA

Iranian-American actress Medalion Rahimi plays the complex character of Special Agent Fatima Namazi in NCIS: Los Angeles. It’s a character that she’s really proud to embody as she puts a positive light on Muslim women in mainstream television. 

Medalion has always loved the arts- TV, movies and dancing and never really thought of acting as a career until she went to college. Throughout her career, Medalion played Muslim roles that have typecasted her character as antagonistic but Special Agent Fatima Namazi is a breath of fresh air. Medallion is all about her advocacy on using her voice and influence in amplifying Iranian voices. 

She is currently excited about working on an independent film and launching a business in beauty and wellness.

In this exclusive interview, Medallion Rahimi spoke about the challenges she faced while filming, acting journey, dream projects, what inspires her, and what book she would be if she were a book.

Hi Medalion, how are you doing? What’s keeping you busy nowadays?

Hi! Yes, you know, I’m doing great personally can’t complain, staying busy but it’s a crazy world out there that’s for sure. I am currently working on an independent film I’m really excited about, can’t say too much because they haven't announced it yet, but it’s based on a true story, it’s super fun and I think people are really going to enjoy it. I’ve also been working on some of my own personal projects and even in the early stages of starting a business related to beauty and wellness. More to come on that, stay tuned… And of course, I am always looking for ways to amplify the voices of the Iranian people.

Let’s talk about your character Special Agent Fatima Namazi in NCIS: Los Angeles. What’s the best part about playing her character?

Besides getting to do all the cool stunts and fight choreography, I found it really refreshing to play such a complex female character. I think Fatima is an oxymoron in many ways, but every character I have resonated with on TV in film, has this quality of contradiction, a duality.

How was Agent Fatima’s character evolution throughout the seasons of the show? What initially drew you to your character?

I think Fatima’s character evolution was rooted in her confidence, and how it changed from this sort of outward confidence to something that was cultivated from within. And since the trauma of losing her best friend left her feeling afraid to get too close to people, she hadn’t really formed any meaningful relationship since. But after spending time with the team at NCIS, she couldn’t help but bond with them on a deeper level. And that helped her open up in her personal life too. As to what drew me to Fatima, I wanted positive representation of Muslim people, especially the women. My experience with the Muslim roles that come my way is that they’re usually an antagonistic character, the bad guy- or girl in my case. As of a study done in 2018, it’s something like 76% of Muslim roles in TV and film portray the characters in a negative light. This role was hopefully an opportunity to show millions of Americans a different, more positive depiction of Muslim-Americans.

What are the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming?

Filming isn’t always as glamorous as you think…sometimes our locations have difficult terrain or conditions. I remember one time we filmed at an old grain mill downtown. I don’t think anyone had been inside of that factory since it closed down in like 1942 or something haha. It was nasty and it smelled like moldy bread. We did see a hawk that was nesting in one of the towers. That was amazing. The nature of my role called for a lot of technical jargon which can be a little frustrating to nail with precision and intensity. I definitely sharpened my memorization skills. But even then, you’re having such a great time. Everyone supports each other, it truly is a collaborative effort. Bonding with the other actors and the crew always made those hard days better.

How did you manage to rise above the challenges?

Remaining grateful, always grateful. I’ve been very lucky. And I don’t take anything for granted.

What’s the most memorable moment for you throughout the whole process of filming? As a first generation Iranian-American actress, how important is visibility and representation from you?

Representation and visibility is everything to me. I want to bring Iranians to the mainstream. Our culture is rich and vibrant and if people didn’t know about it before, they will. Everyone deserves to feel they have a voice.

In line with that, what are your dream projects to be in?

I like stories that are both entertaining and eye-opening. I find that psychological thrillers tend to be both riveting while also exploring important topics like mental health and trauma. Make it a dark comedy or add a fantastical element, and I’m sold!

Which Directors / Filmmakers do you want to work with?

Some more contemporary filmmakers whose work I admire are Ari Aster, Alex Garland, the Safdie Brothers, and Sean Baker. Of course, I would also love to work with the greats like Guillermo del Toro, Almodovar, Quentin Tarantino, Sofia Coppola, Wes Anderson. I mean the list goes on and on…

What is your proudest moment in your career so far?

I think right now, this moment. I think about how far I’ve come, what I’ve achieved. I’m proud of that.

How did acting start for you? Was it something that you’ve always wanted from a young age?

I never really thought of it as a career until college, but I’ve always loved the arts and movies and dancing. After I graduated, I just started auditioning, first on actors’ access until I got a manager and eventually an agent. I knew I loved acting. I was just afraid, but I thought if I didn't at least try I’d always regret it.

Who and what inspires you?

My mother, her story is insane. The lives she’s lived, how she left Iran for a better life here. She’s an immigration lawyer now, helping others do the same. She’s a true Shirzan, or lion woman. Also, Nasrin Sotoudeh, a human rights attorney in Iran who’s currently still imprisoned for her human rights advocacy and outspokenness against the regime in power.

Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any role/character that resonated with you the most and why?

I resonate with every character I play with deeply. If I had to pick one maybe Princess Isabella in Shondaland’s Still Star-Crossed for ABC. Not that I think I’m a princess, but she dealt with a lot of people who didn’t believe in her abilities, and even though she was naturally a sensitive person, she always found a way to make sure her voice was heard.

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?

Something I think about when things feel overwhelming is, does a bird ever question its existence? It just is.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

I absolutely love Durga Polashi’s “Too Much and Not the Mood.” It really resonated with me and my experience as a middle eastern woman from an immigrant family. And just so beautifully written, witty and poetic. I guess if I were a book I made of myself, maybe a book of poems? Little short stories that go straight to your gut. Even like a journal, filled with pressed flowers and photographs. I love a book with pictures.