Mary Apick gives an inside look at the political protests in Iran

Our guest today is actress Mary Apick, a Renaissance woman who truly embodies the lofty principle of human rights for all, both in her onstage work and off.

First, accept the fact that no PR release can do her justice. Mary isn’t just a personality; she’s an experience. Just recount Mary’s professional milestones.

Mary Apick began her acting career as a child performer in Iran. One of her earliest successes was “Octopus,” a long-running “Saturday Night Live” type show on Iranian television where Mary, starting at age twelve, performed in political and satirical skits that helped change and liberalize the society.

Going on to star in countless television shows, feature films and plays, Mary became one of the most popular stars in Iran. Among the many awards she received was the Moscow Film Festival Best Actress Award for “Dead End.” She was the first actress performer in the history of Iranian and Asian motion picture and cinema to receive such a high honor.

The revolution forced Mary to flee the country and find her new home in America. Here she starred in several American productions, including the critically acclaimed “The Mission” and “Checkpoint.” She also played featured roles in productions such as the NBC miniseries “On Wings of Eagles,” and produced the MGM release, “Mind Games.”

While working with partner, Bob Yari, prolific filmmaker and a producer of the Academy Award winning film “Crash,” Mary expanded her involvement in quality and socially significant projects.

The theater has always been a love of Mary”s. In 2005 she wrote and starred in two politically charged plays, which were presented at the 7th Annual Los Angeles Theater Festival. Both became critic’s choices, and one, “Beneath The Veil” is slated for production in several other cities.

She has also created many projects for children, including the videos, “A Fairy Tale in The Forest” and “Jewel of The Night,” which give the children of Iranian expatriates an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the culture of their parents’ homeland.

Determined to continue her education, she graduated from the BBC School of TV Production, attended the Masters Degree Program in Directing at Cal Arts, and participated in the very first Sundance Institute with Robert Redford.

One of Mary’s passions that she has pursued throughout her life has been to improve conditions for women and children around the world, especially in the Middle East. Working with “Roots of Peace,” she is also committed to clearing landmines and reducing their use. Appearing as a spokesperson before the U.S. Congress and elsewhere, Mary remains vocal and vigilant in the pursuit of freedom for all.