When you hear the name Mozhan Marnò, it often comes with recognition. Known for her unforgettable roles in The Blacklist and House of Cards, she has made her mark as a versatile actress, writer, and director. Beyond her screen presence, her journey is layered with cultural richness, education, and creativity. In this article, we take a closer look at her life, career, family background, and the things that make her truly unique.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Mozhan Navabi (formerly credited as Mozhan Marnò) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 3, 1980 |
| Age | 45 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American (Iranian heritage) |
| Height | 5 ft 9½ in (1.77 m) |
| Education | Barnard College (BA), Yale School of Drama (MFA) |
| Languages | English, French, German, Persian, Spanish, Italian |
| Profession | Actress, Writer, Director |
| Famous Roles | The Blacklist, House of Cards, The Stoning of Soraya M. |
| Net Worth (est.) | ~$2 million |
| Residence | Brooklyn, New York |
| Social Media | X: @mozhanistan • IG: @mozhanmarnowastaken |
Early Life and Family Roots
Mozhan Marnò was born on May 3, 1980, in Los Angeles, California. Her parents are of Iranian descent, and they first met in the United States before starting their family. Growing up in a multicultural household gave her a strong sense of identity and broadened her perspective from a young age.
Although details about her siblings or extended family are not publicly available, Mozhan has often expressed her pride in her heritage and how it influenced her artistic path.
Education and Languages
Education played a major role in shaping Mozhan Marnò intellectual and artistic spirit. She attended the prestigious Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, where her love for the arts deepened. Later, she studied at Barnard College, Columbia University, earning a degree in French and German Comparative Literature.
Not stopping there, she pursued her passion for performance at the Yale School of Drama, where she completed a Master of Fine Arts in Acting. This combination of literature and dramatic training gave her an edge as both a storyteller and performer.
One of her most remarkable qualities is her multilingual ability. Mozhan is fluent in English, French, German, and Persian (Farsi), with working knowledge of Spanish and Italian. This fluency has not only helped her adapt to diverse roles but also reflects her globally minded upbringing.
Breakthrough in Acting
Mozhan Marnò career breakthrough came in 2008, when she starred in the powerful drama The Stoning of Soraya M.. Playing Soraya, she portrayed a deeply moving story based on real events, which earned her critical praise and international recognition.
The film was not just a stepping stone in her career—it introduced her as a serious actress capable of carrying emotionally intense and challenging roles.
Television Success
After her film debut, Mozhan Marnò became a familiar face on American television. She appeared in guest roles on shows like Bones, Medium, The Unit, and The Mentalist. But her big TV breakthrough came with House of Cards, where she played Ayla Sayyad, an ambitious journalist digging into political scandals.
She later joined the cast of The Blacklist as Samar Navabi, a Mossad agent who quickly became a fan favorite. Her role ran from season 2 through season 6, and her character’s intelligence, strength, and moral complexity earned her widespread admiration.
These two roles alone solidified her as a respected actress in Hollywood.
Voice Work and Video Games
Outside of film and TV, Mozhan Marnò also lent her voice to one of the world’s most popular video games. In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011), she voiced Mirabelle Ervine, a character from the College of Winterhold, and the Daedric Princess Namira.
Her voice work highlighted her range and opened another path for her in the entertainment industry.
Writing and Directing
Mozhan Marnò is more than just an actress—she is also a writer and director. She wrote the feature screenplay When the Lights Went Out, which became a quarter-finalist in the Nicholl Fellowships competition. Later, it was adapted for the stage and produced at New York Stage & Film in 2013.
Her short film Incoming, which she both wrote and directed, was shown at several film festivals, including the Noor Iranian Film Festival, LA Shorts Fest, and Asians on Film Festival.
This creative expansion shows her passion for storytelling in all forms, not just acting.
Recent Projects
In 2024, Mozhan joined the Netflix limited series Zero Day, starring alongside big names like Robert De Niro. She plays Melissa Kornblau, a recurring character in the political thriller. This role proves her steady growth and ability to remain relevant in an ever-changing industry.
Physical Appearance
Standing tall at 5 feet 9½ inches (1.77 m), Mozhan has a commanding presence both on screen and off. With her striking features and expressive eyes, she embodies roles with authenticity and depth. While some unofficial sources mention details such as weight or shoe size, the most reliable and public information highlights her height and elegant appearance.
Personal Life and Lifestyle
Though much of Mozhan Marnò personal life is kept private, we know she currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. She has lived in various countries, including France, Germany, Sweden, and Argentina, experiences that continue to influence her worldview.
Her lifestyle seems grounded and creative. She often leans into cultural and artistic spaces rather than Hollywood glamour. Mozhan is known to keep her private life out of the spotlight, focusing instead on her craft.
Net Worth and Achievements
Mozhan’s success across television, film, writing, and directing has contributed to an estimated net worth of around $2 million. While not confirmed by official statements, this figure reflects her consistent work in the industry and her versatility across projects.
She has also earned recognition through award nominations, such as the SAG Award nomination with the House of Cards ensemble.
Social Media Presence
Mozhan Marnò maintains an online presence, though she keeps it professional and thoughtful rather than overly personal. On X (formerly Twitter), she uses the handle @mozhanistan, where she shares updates about her work and reflections. Her Instagram, under the username mozhanmarnowastaken, provides a glimpse into her creative world and occasional personal highlights.
Fun Facts
- She speaks six languages at varying levels.
- Her first major role was in an emotionally demanding international film.
- She is both an actress and a screenwriter-director, proving her multidimensional talent.
- She has worked in Hollywood, gaming, and stage productions, bridging multiple creative mediums.
- Mozhan prefers privacy, letting her career and art take center stage.
Legacy and Influence
Mozhan Marnò career shows how diversity, intelligence, and resilience can shape an artist’s journey. She represents not only Iranian-American heritage but also a global outlook that resonates with audiences around the world.
Her presence in mainstream shows like The Blacklist and House of Cards has opened doors for more inclusive representation, and her work as a writer and director highlights her commitment to storytelling from all sides.
Conclusion
From Los Angeles roots to global recognition, Mozhan Marnò has built a career defined by strength, creativity, and authenticity. She is not only a talented actress but also a storyteller who continues to grow in different artistic fields.
Her story is more than just Hollywood success—it is about heritage, education, hard work, and passion. And as she takes on new projects, her influence as both an actress and creator is only set to grow further.
FAQs About Mozhan Marnò
1. How old is Mozhan Marnò?
Mozhan Marnò was born on May 3, 1980, which makes her 45 years old as of 2025.
2. What is Mozhan Marnò best known for?
She is best recognized for her roles as Ayla Sayyad in House of Cards and Samar Navabi in The Blacklist. Both roles brought her international attention and critical praise.
3. How tall is Mozhan Marnò?
Mozhan stands at 5 feet 9½ inches (1.77 m), giving her a striking screen presence that has suited both film and television.
4. What is Mozhan Marnò’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $2 million, reflecting her long-standing work across film, TV, voice acting, and directing projects.
5. Does Mozhan Marnò use social media?
Yes, she shares updates on X (Twitter) @mozhanistan and on Instagram as @mozhanmarnowastaken, though she keeps her posts professional and low-key.
