Sepideh Moafi on Playing Dr. Al-Hashimi and Bringing Visibility to Chronic Illnesses in The Pitt Season 2

When the season two finale of The Pitt aired, viewers were left reeling after Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi’s (played by Sepideh Moafi) seizure disorder was revealed, adding a personal, deeply human element to a character that had been shrouded in mystery up until that point. The plotline, which revolves around her experience as a humanitarian doctor grappling with a chronic condition, has had a profound impact on audiences, particularly those who relate to the challenges of living with chronic illnesses. Since the finale, Moafi has been overwhelmed by the flood of messages she’s received from fans who have found themselves represented on-screen, especially those dealing with seizure disorders.

“I’ve been so beautifully overwhelmed by the number of messages I’ve been getting from people who carry chronic conditions or chronic illnesses and deal with seizure disorders,” Moafi says, reflecting on the significance of her portrayal. “The thing that was important to me going in was creating visibility for a type of health care worker—a type of doctor that travels abroad and works in conflict zones, humanitarian doctors.”

This role has allowed Moafi to do something close to her heart—highlighting issues that are often overlooked and bringing them to mainstream media. But it wasn’t just about portraying the condition; it was about doing justice to those living with it. “To have this kind of reaction and visibility for people who have been managing this condition their whole lives has been so just incredibly potent and beautiful. It’s why I do what I do and why I want to do this, is to make people feel like their stories are reflected on screen or on stage and make people feel less alone and people feel seen.”

From the Stage to the Screen: A Leap into The Pitt

Moafi, known for her roles in The Deuce and The L Word: Generation Q, was initially hesitant about joining a medical drama. “It never resonated with me,” she admits, laughing. “And also, I don’t have the best associations with hospitals. I don’t want to spend more time in the hospital than I’ve had to.” It’s understandable given the nature of her past, but after watching the show, her perspective shifted. “I watched the show and I was like, ‘Oh, OK, this is not your typical medical show.’” The distinct blend of personal drama, high stakes, and complex character work drew her in.

Dr. Al-Hashimi’s role on the show, though initially appearing like another medical archetype, was far more layered. Moafi’s character, who works in a busy hospital environment and is grappling with a chronic illness, breaks away from the norm in medical TV portrayals. Rather than focusing solely on her professional side, the show delves into the complexity of her life, bringing to light the intersection of her career, her health struggles, and her personal growth.

An Actor’s Perspective: Confidence in the Face of Intimidation

Stepping onto the set of The Pitt for the first time, Moafi found herself in an intimidating environment. “First of all, walking into this role where I’m the only other day shift attending opposite Dr. Robby, Noah Wyle, who spent a lot of his career playing a doctor… that was incredibly intimidating,” Moafi reflects. “But the nice thing about getting older in your life and having more experience in your career is that you realize you fully throw yourself in and you have to trust that you’re supported.” It’s a sentiment that speaks volumes about her dedication to her craft.

Wyle’s experience playing a doctor meant Moafi had an actor she could lean on for guidance and advice, something she appreciated. “I had so many resources, so many friends and people that I met because of this role. And you just throw yourself into the work head first.” That trust in the process and in the support system on set helped her build confidence, even though her knowledge of the medical world was limited at the start.

The inclusion of an army of doctors and nurses on set to help with technical accuracy also ensured that Moafi could portray her character with authenticity. “I need to ask for help when I need it,” she adds, reflecting on the collaborative nature of the production. It’s clear that her involvement with The Pitt wasn’t just about acting; it was about honoring the real medical professionals who work in these high-stakes environments every day.

The Humanitarian Doctor: Drawing from Personal Experience

In addition to the complexity of playing a character with a chronic illness, Moafi felt a personal connection to Dr. Al-Hashimi’s background as a humanitarian doctor. Moafi’s own life story has shaped her perspective in a profound way. Born in a refugee camp in Germany after her parents fled Iran during the 1979 revolution, Moafi’s family eventually settled in the U.S. As someone who understands the impact of displacement and the importance of rebuilding, Moafi found herself drawn to the character’s role in conflict zones, delivering aid and saving lives.

“Even though I grew up in the States, my family’s history and that background and how I came into the world has obviously colored the lens in which I see the world and relate to the world,” she explains. “It’s my own privilege, because it really is luck. Why were we given the opportunity to restart and rebuild?”

Moafi’s work with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has also inspired her portrayal of Al-Hashimi, as she feels a deep connection to the work of humanitarian doctors around the world. She’s long been involved with the IRC, helping refugees and displaced people find stability, much like her character does in The Pitt.

A Role That Resonates: Bringing Visibility to Seizure Disorders

One of the most striking elements of Moafi’s portrayal is the way she brings visibility to seizure disorders, a condition that isn’t often depicted in the media, especially in such a nuanced and human way. “The thing that was important to me going in was creating visibility for a type of health care worker, a type of doctor that travels abroad and works in conflict zones,” she says. “But to have this kind of reaction and visibility for people who have been managing this condition their whole lives has been so just incredibly potent and beautiful.”

Moafi’s portrayal of Dr. Al-Hashimi has opened up conversations about chronic health conditions and the importance of representation in media. It’s clear that Moafi views this as a responsibility to the audience, as much as it is an opportunity to showcase her craft. For the viewers who live with chronic conditions, seeing themselves reflected on-screen in such a nuanced, empathetic way has been powerful.

Looking Toward the Future: The Stage and the Screen

While Moafi’s time on The Pitt was rewarding, she is now returning to her roots in theater. She’s currently involved in the play New Born, which is running at the Minetta Lane Theater in New York. The play, written by British playwright Ella Hickson, consists of three monologues performed by Moafi, Hugh Jackman, and Marianna Gailus.

Moafi describes her return to the theater as a moment of personal fulfillment. “I showed up and it was one of those glorious New York moments where you’re just all in the room and creative energy is just exploding through the room,” she says, recalling the excitement of returning to the theater world. It’s clear that for Moafi, theater is where she feels most at home, and her return to the stage is just another testament to her versatile talent.

The Impact of The Pitt and Al-Hashimi’s Journey

Moafi’s work on The Pitt has clearly struck a chord with viewers, especially those who feel their own experiences mirrored in Dr. Al-Hashimi’s journey. From the struggles of living with a chronic condition to navigating complex relationships and working in high-pressure environments, Moafi’s portrayal of Al-Hashimi is not just about the role of a doctor—it’s about humanizing an experience that many viewers face themselves.

Her heartfelt desire to tell authentic stories and give voice to those who are often overlooked is evident in her performance. “I hope that we carry that curiosity and that realization into our lives every day,” she says. “I hope we go a little gentler with each other and with ourselves.”

As The Pitt continues to explore complex medical and personal themes, Moafi’s role as Dr. Al-Hashimi will undoubtedly remain a beacon of visibility and empathy for audiences everywhere.