Mozhan Navabi is an American film and television actress who has captivated audiences with her compelling performances across both the small and big screens, most notably for her roles in the acclaimed series The Blacklist and House of Cards. Born in 1979 or 1980, Navabi grew up in a culturally rich environment that fostered her interest in the arts, though she initially pursued a different path before fully committing to acting. She graduated from Yale University with a degree in Middle Eastern studies and later earned a master's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, an academic background that has informed her nuanced portrayals of complex characters.

Navabi began her professional acting career in 2006, initially working under the stage name Mozhan Marnò. Her early work included guest appearances on television series such as 24 and The Unit, where she demonstrated her versatility and ability to inhabit roles with depth and authenticity. Her breakthrough came in 2008 when she was cast as Soraya Manutchehri in the powerful drama The Stoning of Soraya M., a role that brought her significant critical attention. In the film, she portrayed a woman sentenced to death by stoning in a small Iranian village, delivering a performance that was both harrowing and deeply humane, earning her praise from critics and audiences alike for her emotional range and commitment to the role.

Navabi's career reached new heights with her casting as Samar Navabi in the long-running NBC series The Blacklist, where she appeared from 2016 to 2020. Her character, a Mossad agent turned FBI profiler, became a fan favorite for her intelligence, strength, and complex relationships with other characters, including James Spader's Raymond Reddington. She also made a memorable impact in the political drama House of Cards, appearing in multiple episodes as a journalist investigating the corrupt administration of President Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey. These roles solidified her reputation as a skilled actress capable of holding her own alongside some of television's most formidable talents.

Throughout her career, Navabi has been selective about her projects, often gravitating toward roles that explore themes of identity, justice, and cultural conflict. She has also lent her voice to audiobook narrations, including works by Khaled Hosseini, further demonstrating her range as a performer. In 2024, she made a guest appearance on an episode of Law & Order, marking a notable shift as she began being credited by her maiden name, Navabi, rather than the professional name Marnò she had used since the start of her career. This change reflects a personal and professional evolution, as she continues to build on a legacy of thoughtful, impactful work. Today, Mozhan Navabi remains a respected figure in the entertainment industry, known for her dedication to her craft and her ability to bring depth to every role she undertakes.