Tala Ashe
Tala Ashrafi, known professionally as Tala Ashe, is an Iranian-American actress. She is known for her roles on the television series Smash, American Odyssey, and As the World Turns, as well as her regular role as Zari Tomaz on The CW superhero series Legends of Tomorrow.
Early life and education
Ashe was born in Tehran, Iran. She immigrated to the United States when she was nine months old. Ashe grew up in Powell, Ohio, just outside of the state capital Columbus. She participated in her high school theatre productions as both an actress and director.Ashe received a BFA from Boston University's School of Theatre. She also trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City.
Career
Ashe has performed in numerous regional and Off-Broadway stage productions. Ashe's first screen credit is for her role as Nadia in the 2008 film Waiting in Beijing. She was credited as Tala Ashrafi, but is credited as Tala Ashe in all subsequent roles.She has made guest appearances on the series Law & Order, , 30 Rock, and Covert Affairs. Ashe has also had recurring roles on Smash and American Odyssey. She was also a cast member on As the World Turns.
In 2017, Ashe joined the main cast of DC's Legends of Tomorrow as Zari Tomaz. She took the lead for a bottle episode titled "Here I Go Again" and drew praise from critics and fans alike for her performance.
Personal life
Ashe is Iranian-American and holds dual citizenship. In addition to English, she speaks fluent Persian. Along with her fellow Arrowverse actresses, Ashe is a founding member of Shethority, a project aimed at inspiring and uplifting women and anyone who identifies as female.Filmography
Stage
In addition to the following, Ashe has also performed in productions of Love's Labour's Lost, Age of Innocence, Autophagy, Twelfth Night, and Pearls from Salt, among others.| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
| 2009 | Aftermath | Naimah | Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York City | |
| 2010 | Welcome to Arroyo's | Lelly Santiago | Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, California | |
| 2011 | Again and Against | Dahlia | LAByrinth Summer Intensive, New York | |
| 2011 | Urge for Going | Jamila | The Public Theater, New York City | |
| 2012 | Troilus and Cressida | Cressida, Cassandra | Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, Oregon | |
| 2012 | The Very Merry Wives of Windsor, Iowa | Anne Page | Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, Oregon | |
| 2014 | The Who & the What | Mahwish | Claire Tow Theater, New York City | |
| 2015 | Head over Heels | Philoclea | Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, Oregon | |
| 2015 | The Happiest Song Plays Last | Shar | Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, Oregon | |
| 2016 | Troilus and Cressida | Helen, Andromache | Delacorte Theater, New York City | |
| 2017 | The Profane | Emina | Playwrights Horizons, New York City |