Interview with Pej Vahdat

myFanbase had the opportunity to do an interview with Pej Vahdat. Since 2009 he is playing the part of Arastoo Vaziri on "Bones". In this interview you can read what connections he has to Germany, what he thought about auditioning for "Bones" and what new projects are coming up for him.

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1. First of all thanks for taking the time to do this interview. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Sure it is my pleasure thank you for asking. Well, I am Persian american actor and live in Los Angeles. I grew up in San Jose, CA. And I graduated from San Diego State University. While I was there I played Tennis for the school and turned professional for a brief time. But I found my true passion in life when I began taking theatre classes in my junior year.

2. You told us that you lived in Germany in your childhood. What can you tell us about that time? Is there something special you remember about Germany or German people?

I lived in Frankfurt when I was just a baby so I don't remember anything. Half of my family is German so I am very familar with the culture and the people. I love them so much. I have some cousins that live there still and I would love to come visit someday.

3. When and why did you decide to become an actor?

I always had a thought of acting but I was too scared and preoccupied playing tennis in college and a brief time as a pro. But in my junior year of college I went to my first theatre class and I never played tennis competively again. So I guess thats when I decided I had found my true passion in life.

4. How did you get the part of Arastoo Vaziri on "Bones"? Did you audition for the part? What fascinated you most about the show so that you wanted to get the part?

I auditioned for the role in November of 2008. I remember it very specifically because I had heard of a role in the previous episode for a persian car salesman and they wouldn't audition me for that. And funny enough my roommate Sunkrish Bala got the part. When I got the audition for Arastoo I realized that the Casting Director Rick Milikan had another idea for me and I thank him to this day for that. The role spoke to me immediately because of his religious beliefs and also being so nice and caring I really appreciated the writers portraying muslims in a good light.

5. On "Bones" there are some awkward but also funny misunderstandings between Arastoo and Cam about Arastoo's religion. What do you think about the fact that Hart Hanson builds stories around your nationality and religion and do you like this way of storytelling?

As I mentioned before I think thats my favorite aspect of the character and the way Hart Hanson is writing for him. I think I am truly blessed to be able to be the one playing this great character who can educate people throughout the world who may have a bad view point on muslims and middle eastern people as a whole because of the awful things that have been linked to us in the past two decades.

6. Do you have a favorite character on the show?

Wow! That's a tough question because I truly love the characters that are on the show. I don't think I could pick just one.

7. Maybe Dr. Brennan is never going to decide which intern she wants to keep in her team but who would you pick if you had the choice?

I would pick Arastoo! Of course he's my favorite intern. Just kidding, kind of. I actually enjoy the rotation a lot cause someone new comes every week, but if I had to pick I would pick Arastoo.

8. Can you perhaps give us some scoop about the upcoming episodes? Do we get more information about Arastoo's past?

Well in the next episode you learn a little more about Arastoo' past and also see a different side to his personality. I enjoyed filming it a lot.

9. Have you ever met some of the other actors who play Dr. Brennan's interns? If so, who do you get along with the best?

I actually have met all the other interns and thank God we all get along great. I have seen Joel David Moore and Eugene Byrd out the most though, and also i had a great time with Michael Grant Terry. I look forward to getting to know the others more the next time we are all together.

10. From all the characters you played in movies and TV, which one is your favorite and why?

No question it is playing Arastoo Vazii because I love where the character has started and where it is going. It has been so fun and challenging for me and I really hope it keeps going for a while.

11. If you could put together an entire crew for a movie or show: Who would be the director? Who would be the writer? And who would be in the leading role(s)?

The Director would have to be Martin Scorcese, the writers would have to be Paul Haggis, Hart Hanson, and Aaron Sorkin, and the lead roles would be myself, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, and Irfan Khan and Tom Hanks

12. Do you have any new projects you can tell us about?

Yes I am playing a recurring character on a new show called "Shameless" with William H. Macy and Allison Janney, that will be on Showtime And I am currently filming a Guest Star on Jada Pinkett Smith's new show on TNT called "Hawthorne."

13. Where do you see yourself in ten years? What do you want to achieve at work and also in your private life?

In 10 years I hope to have had a successful series on television and also be doing many great films. Personally I hope in 10 years I am settled down and that my family and friends are healthy and happy.

14. When you are not on set what do you do in your free time? What are your hobbies?

In my free time I love watching sports and playing sports. I love playing basketball and tennis as much as possible. I enjoy hanging out with my parents and friends and family.

15. You've been using Twitter for quite some time now. What do you use it for? Who called your attention to it and what do you think about platforms like Twitter, Facebook and MySpace in general?

My girlfriend thought it would be a good way for myself to promote my career and keep friends and fans updated on what i am doing. I personally didn't think anyone would follow me but I have been so humbled and surprised by the support. I really enjoy the format because it's a great way to connect woth people throughout the world when you otherwise wouldn't be able to,

16. What’s your favorite place in the world? Where do you feel the most comfortable?

My favorite place in the world is by any Ocean. It is the most peaceful place for me. I really can relax there. I feel most comfortable at my parents house. I really love being near them as much as possible.

17. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about TV series, do you have a favorite show?

My favorite show right now would have to be a new show on HBO called "How To Make It In America". But I really enjoy "Entourage", "Dexter" and "Modern Family".

Catherine Bühnsack - myFanbase