Bahar Soomekh () is an Iranian-American former actress who later became a real estate agent. She is best known for her roles in Crash and the Saw franchise.
Early life and education Bahar was born in Tehran, Iran, to an observant Jewish family. She moved with her parents and sister, Saba Soomekh, to Los Angeles, California, United States in 1979 during the Islamic Revolution of Iran. Soomekh attended Sinai Akiba Academy and Beverly Hills High School.
Bahar later attended the University of California, Santa Barbara. She graduated in 1997 with a B.A. in environmental studies.
Career After graduating from UCSB, Soomekh worked in motivational sales while taking acting classes. At the beginning of her acting career, Soomekh guest starred on several television programs, including JAG and 24. She ultimately quit her day job to pursue acting full-time and landed her role in Crash less than three months later.
Soomekh's breakthrough role came as Dorri in the Academy Award-winning movie for Best Picture, Crash. Following her success in Crash, People magazine listed Soomekh as a member of the Class of 2006 as "New on the Scene". She followed up with roles in Syriana and Mission: Impossible III. In 2006, she had a leading role as Dr. Lynn Denlon in the horror film Saw III. Soomekh had a recurring role as Margo in the television series Day Break and guest appearances on shows such as Ghost Whisperer and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Her last film role was in Just like a Woman, released in 2012. Soomekh subsequently pursued a real estate career focusing on upscale housing.
Personal life Bahar married Clayton Frech in 2001. The couple have three children. One of their children, Ezra Frech, was born without most of his left leg (missing a knee and fibula) and missing fingers on his left hand. He was a double gold medalist at the 2024 Summer Paralympics and was named as a finalist for the 2014 Sports Illustrated SportsKid of the Year.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes 2002 Without a Trace Lemese Salman JAG Jasmine Season 8, Episode 10 "The Killer" 2003 Naked Hotel Bhurka woman 2004 JAG Amira Sattar Season 9, Episode 20 "Fighting Words" Intermission Hair Wearer Crash Dorri A Lousy Ten Grand Najah 2005 24 Habib Marwan's Wife (deleted scenes) Bones Sahar Masruk Syriana Yassi (Director's Uncut Version) 2006 In Justice Neena Oponi Mission: Impossible III Davian's Translator The Unit Firefly Season 2, Episode 1 "Change of Station" Day Break Margo (2006–2007) Saw III Lynn Denlon 2008 The Oaks Hollis Unaired TV pilot Ghost Whisperer Tricia Season 4, Episode 6 "Imaginary Friends and Enemies" 2009 Lost & Found Abigail 2010 Miami Medical Vanessa Season 1, Episode 8 "An Arm and a Leg" 2011 Castle Nazihah Alhabi Season 3, Episode 16 "Setup"; Season 3, Episode 17 "Countdown" CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Dr. Sylvia Sloane Season 12, Episode 10 "Genetic Dsorder" 2012 Parenthood Dr. Haryana Season 4, Episode 3 "Everything Is Not Okay"Just like a Woman Soha 2014 Perception Yael Season 3, Episode 5 "Eternity" 2026 memory of a Killer Leah Season 1
See also List of Iranian actresses
References
External links