This timeline details Sarah Shahi's formative years and her early forays into the public eye through beauty pageants and cheerleading.
Birth
January 10, 1980
Aahoo Jahansouzshahi, later known as Sarah Shahi, is born in Euless, Texas, to Abbas Jahansouzshahi and Mahmonir Soursati. Her father is Iranian, and her mother is of Spanish descent.
Name Change
Early Childhood
Sarah's father suggested the name 'Sarah' after a song by Journey, demonstrating an early influence of American culture in her life.
Multilingual Upbringing
Childhood & Adolescence
Sarah was brought up to speak both English and Farsi, demonstrating a unique combination of Western and Eastern influences.
Miss Fort Worth Teen
1997
Sarah Shahi wins the Miss Fort Worth Teen pageant, marking her initial entry into competitive pageantry and public performance.
Miss Texas USA
1999
Shahi competed for Miss Texas USA, gaining further experience on a larger stage and enhancing her public speaking and performance skills.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader
Late 1990s - Early 2000s
Sarah Shahi worked as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader (1999–2000 squad). This experience honed her dancing skills and provided exposure to a large audience, crucial for a future acting career.
