Tony Yalda

 

 

 What made you want to become an actor?

Growing up I've always been fascinated with the worlds inside the television and movie screen. I kind of always saw them as having this kind of magical quality. So as cheesy as this may sound, acting to me is like existing in pretty fairy tales.

 

 

I do not see the role as a misrepresentation of my ethnicity, but rather I am an Assyrian/Arabic- American man, performing a character of Persian descent.

 

 

I also look at this role as a fresh beginning for the Middle-eastern community. We are finally being represented in a positive light with the Riza family. We are showing the world we are modern, successful, beautiful, and loving. I sort of view the Riza family as the Middleeastern version of the Huxtable family.

 

I'm especially proud to portray a character that is gay and Middleeastern. Homosexuality is still a very taboo subject in the world, especially in the Arab community. And here is a family who is not in denial of their effeminate son, but rather embrace their child for all that he is. I pray this will perhaps create a spark in our hearts and minds to accept people do come in all shades of the rainbow, whether it's your skin tone or character. And if an Arab family (which in the eyes of the majority of the world are viewed as barbarians) can openly love without judgment, maybe we should take a hint and follow in those footsteps.

 

 

I do feel it is my duty to present myself as openly and truthfully as possible to the world. I think being proud of the fact that I am Middleeastern and openly gay, will maybe let people take a different look at the Arab culture, and gay community. It will perhaps show them we are human with our struggles, passions, and victories; and our souls are as beautiful and poetic as any other. It will maybe get Hollywood more geared towards incorporating the Arab and gay world as part of everyday life, as it has done with other ethnicities over the years.

 

 

No, I have felt no discrimination in the industry as an Arab. >From my experience so far of meeting with casting directors, and studio execs, they have all been wonderful and welcoming, constantly telling me I am "a breath of fresh air."

 

Working with my co-stars, Noureen DeWulf (South East Asian) and Sam Golzari (Persian), they have shared similar stories of being embraced positively.

 

 

I cannot say it has not crossed my mind that I may be cast as only certain characters, but from my experience thus far, it has not been a problem. I feel I have a strong team that represents me (agents, casting directors, directors, and producers), and they will do their best to help me potray an array of characters. So even when I have a creeping doubt I may never work again, or get pigeon holed in a stereotype, I always get some form of positive re-inforcement that reassures me tomorrow will be a brighter day. I guess it's God's way of helping me keep the faith.

 

 

I have always dreamed I would not only be in Arabic movies, but French, Italian, and Spanish ones as well. I would love to one day branch out into the film world of the far east.

 

 

I cannot deny I haven't dreamed myself immersed in a world of massive fame and fortune, but I also see myself working on projects that will stir something inside people's hearts. Whether it be a leading role or a minor 30 second scene, as long as I am involved with as many projects of merit and substance, I will have considered myself as having attained the magic I set out to be a part of as a child.