Sepideh Moafi, a new addition to the cast of 'The Pitt,' offers an in-depth look into her role as Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi, a seasoned attending physician. She reflects on her initial hesitation towards medical dramas, her admiration for the show's nuanced portrayal of human experiences, and her character's progressive views on integrating artificial intelligence into healthcare. Moafi also discusses the complexities of fan engagement and the meticulous choreography involved in creating realistic emergency room scenes, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew.
Actress Sepideh Moafi Embraces Her Role as Dr. Al-Hashimi in 'The Pitt' and the World of Dedicated Fandoms
In a recent interview, Sepideh Moafi recounted her unexpected entry into the second season of 'The Pitt,' where she portrays Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi. Her first day on set, occurring three days earlier than planned due to an accelerated schedule, found her unprepared, having just come from a pilates session without time to shower. This impromptu start, however, unexpectedly mirrored the unpredictable nature of an emergency physician's life, immersing her deeply into her character's reality. Moafi, with 15 years of acting experience, including breakout roles in 'The L Word: Generation Q,' 'The Deuce,' and 'Blackbird,' credits the show's expert hair and makeup teams for their quick assistance in her unexpected predicament.
Moafi confessed to a long-standing disinterest in medical dramas, but a sudden bout of flu coincided with her audition for 'The Pitt.' She spent a day and a half engrossed in the first season, realizing its distinct approach. As the sole new series regular, she joins the cast as Dr. Al-Hashimi, who arrives on the Fourth of July to prepare to take over from Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) during his sabbatical. Moafi was particularly drawn to the show's exploration of power dynamics and vulnerability, especially how women navigate systems not inherently designed for them.
She highlighted the previous season's sickle cell storyline as a powerful example of representation that goes beyond mere appearance, emphasizing the importance of diverse backgrounds in the nation's fabric. Moafi spoke about the raw emotion evoked by the character Samira, who was the only one to believe a Black woman experiencing excruciating pain, underscoring issues of trust within the medical system. Personally, Moafi's early life experience with her sister's near-fatal tonsillectomy shaped her perspective on healthcare. However, witnessing the sacrifices of humanitarian doctors in conflict zones has also given her a nuanced understanding of the system's challenges, including burnout and fatigue.
Moafi also discussed her character's controversial yet insightful stance on AI. Despite her personal skepticism towards artificial intelligence, Dr. Al-Hashimi's advocacy for AI as a tool to reduce burnout and human error in medicine has subtly shifted Moafi's own views. She clarifies that her character isn't proposing AI replacement but rather support, enabling doctors to maintain presence and humanity. The actress acknowledges that Dr. Al-Hashimi's innovative ideas might be perceived as disruptive by some, including Dr. Robby, who initially resists her presence despite recognizing her competence. Moafi draws parallels between Dr. Al-Hashimi's entry into the established hospital environment and her own experience joining the well-oiled machine of 'The Pitt's production, observing and learning while still asserting her artistic voice.
The intensive learning process for emergency room choreography was made possible by an army of technical advisors and real-life nurses acting as background performers. Moafi described the rigorous practice, progressing from 25% to full speed, mirroring the precision required for stunts or intimate scenes. Lastly, Moafi touched upon the show's passionate fandom. While she generally avoids intense fan theories due to past experiences, she enjoys how fans engage with and interpret subtle cues, finding it a testament to their imagination and the show's ability to spark conversations.
This portrayal of Dr. Al-Hashimi not only challenges conventional narratives within medical dramas but also invites viewers to consider the evolving role of technology in healthcare and the persistent issues of bias and trust. Moafi's performance, infused with personal reflection and a deep understanding of her character's motivations, adds a compelling layer to 'The Pitt,' encouraging a dialogue about critical aspects of modern medicine and societal structures. Her ability to navigate the complexities of her role while engaging with a dedicated audience showcases her talent and dedication, proving that a fresh perspective can indeed invigorate a long-standing genre.