(Photo courtesy of GalactiCon)
Written by Colleen Bement, Editor
A favorite at conventions, Omid Abtahi is always fun to chat with. He spent the weekend with his fans at the very first GalactiCon and shared some amazing stories. Of course, he fit right in with his love for “Star Wars.” He also happens to be a fellow Cal State Fullerton alum! The Iranian-American actor is known and loved for his roles as Salim in “American Gods,” Dr. Penn Pershing in “The Mandalorian” Saleem Ulman in “NCIS” and, of course, he played Homes, a member of the Star Squad from “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.” He is also known for his performances as Justin Yates in “Ghost Whisperer” and can be spotted on a long list of shows. Get to know this super-talented actor and find out why fans adore Omid.
Colleen Bement: Are you having a good time at GalactiCon?
Omid Abtahi: Yeah, it’s been great. Denver is one of my favorite cities in America, and the people here, specifically, have been nothing but sweet. It’s been a great start to the weekend.
Colleen Bement: Now let’s talk “The Mandalorian.” I’ve got to be honest with you, I feel kind of protective of Grogu.
Omid Abtahi: Oh you do? So this is interesting. Go ahead.
Colleen Bement: I just want to know what it’s like to play Dr. Pershing.
Omid Abtahi: I get that. I get both sides and it’s really fascinating because I get people who come up to me and they’re like I don’t trust you. Stay away from my Grogu. Evil doctor. And I get people who are like, thank you so much for protecting Grogu. Thank you for saving him, and he wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for you. The truth of it is, my character Dr. Pershing lives in that middle. So it does make sense to get both reactions, and I’m here for it.
Colleen Bement: So let’s bring up more for trauma and talk about “Hunger Games.” It’s a bit of a traumatic subject matter. What was it like to prep for that role?
Omid Abtahi: Prep for it? I had already read the book. I was a huge fan of the book.
Colleen Bement: I mean, the subject matter can be a lot.
Omid Abtahi: It’s a lot, but I got to specifically, my part being part of the Star Squad who goes towards the Capitol. Once they put the uniform on you and they give you the guns, you feel kind of like badass, it wasn’t hard to slip into it. And what was awesome was the comradery with the actors. We all hung out. We all partied together, so it felt like real life bled into on-camera work. It was a great time. I know it’s a dark subject matter, but my part of it was a lot of action shooting and blowing things up. That’s not a bad time at all.
Colleen Bement: Now that the strikes are over, what projects do you have in the works?
Omid Abtahi: I can’t say. I wish I could say because it’s a show I’m a huge fan of and it’s a very popular show, but they haven’t done a press release for it. I’m sure you can do a simple Google search, you can find it.
Colleen Bement: What are you passionate about these days? Like a cause?
Omid Abtahi: In general I love animals, I’m passionate about dogs specifically. We lost R2 and we haven’t gotten a new one. Right now what fuels me and it has fueled me a lot this past year while being home not able to work because of the strike has been my year-old son. Being a dad is the only thing I wanted to do as a human being. I have a precious human being that I’m raising, and I get to spend time with him. We watch sports together. He got to work on Mandalorian with me. He’s a huge “Star Wars” fan and we geek out together. He’s just the light of my life. That’s what I’m passionate about.
Colleen Bement: That’s great. You’re training him right.
Omid Abtahi: I am training him right. I didn’t grow up with “Star Wars” but I am growing him up with it, so I’m trying to right the wrongs of my parents. Laughs. Just kidding. It’s not their fault.
Colleen Bement: I’m going to hit you with some speed-round questions. Pie or cake?
Omid Abtahi: Pie. Pumpkin pie specifically.
Colleen Bement: Whipped cream or ice cream?
Omid Abtahi: Eeew, no I do not like whipped cream. It’s a sensory thing.
Colleen Bement: If you like to camp…
Omid Abtahi: I love to camp!
Colleen Bement: Tent or camper?
Omid Abtahi: Tenting for me. I just camped for the first time in a camper–it’s just too boozy. I want to hear the sound of nature. I do like to rough it, but it’s nice to take a shower. But for three or four days I’m up for a tent.
Colleen Bement: Dawn or dusk?
Omid Abtahi: Dawn. I like to get up before the sun comes up. I love to have a cup of coffee while the sun comes up.
Omid Abtahi: Can I give you a quick question? “Star Wars” or “Star Trek?”
Colleen Bement: “Star Wars.”
Omid Abtahi: YESSS!
Colleen Bement: Which one? Mine’s Episode Four.
Omid Abtahi: Oh yeah, the OG. Beyond the OG, “Rouge One.”
Colleen Bement: Absolutely!
Keep up with Omid on Instagram
Hi, I’m Lynn, and I Make.
Props, Cosplay, Scale Models, Home Projects, and just about anything else that involves me Making.
Eldwenne’s Fantasy™ and Wire Wrapture Artistically Twisted ™
Jodi invites you to explore your well-being with designs from Wire Wrapture Artistically Twisted™ and to declare your favorite fandom proudly with designs from Eldwenne’s Fantasy™.
A riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a warm tortilla, served to you fresh using patented space-age technology. all games played on this channel are using original hardware and software whenever possible.
A positive podcast about video games. Chris and Ashley go over the video games we love.
*Bigs thanks to*
Chris and Lynn
Dustin Hatchett
Ron Peterson
If you like what you see, please consider joining our Patreon Family.
For as little as $1 a month, you can really help us out.