NYLAMAG.com
June 10, 2007

When 21-year-old Ohio native BAHRAM decided to pursue his dreams of a career in the über-competitive fashion industry as a model, he didn't let thet fact that he didn't live in a major city like New York or Los Angeles deter him. The Miami University (Ohio) pre-medical student hustled his way into gigs at a few New York Fashion shows during the city's bi-annual fashion week, as well as in Cleveland for Tuxedo Junction.

Despite his success, Bahram decided a move to the west coast would put him near the nation's entertainment capital and closer to his dream of an acting career. Putting his college career on hold - he's 3 semesters shy of a degree in biology - and moving to Orange County hasn't been an easy move, but Bahram has managed to catch the eye of some of the industry's most prominent and influential photographers, including Desi Arnaz Hyter and Jim Oblak. The adjustment to southern California has been easier than expected, especially because his father already lived there. And though both his parents are doctors and didn't take kindly to his pursuit of an acting career, "they have been very supportive nonetheless," Bahram explains.

A huge fan of both George Clooney, Persian model Miriam Shenasi and Persian comedian/actor Maz Jobrani, Bahram is seeking his Screen Actors Guild (SAG) membership card for now, and has promised his parents to finish his degree eventually. Currently, Bahram spends his days commuting to L.A. to audition for roles in movies, T.V. and commercials, and recently was called back for a role in a major soap opera.

And as for the whole Persians in Ohio bit? "I grew up in the Dayton/Cincinatti area, and I would estimate there were probably (a few hundred) Persians there, and a decent amount in nearby Columbus as well," Bahram says. "I hear Cleveland has a significant amount of Persians... but the 4-hour drive to hang out with them was a bit too much."

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