Written by: David Williams

Sakina Jaffrey: The Versatile Actress Who Rules the Screen

Sakina Jaffrey is a renowned American actress, best known for her iconic roles in Netflix's House of Cards, NBC's Timeless, and the comedy-drama film The Meyerowitz Stories. With a career spanning over three decades, she has proven her mettle as a talented and diverse actress, capable of adapting to any role.

Early Life and Education

Born on February 14, 1962, in New York City, Sakina Jaffrey is the youngest daughter of Indian-born parents, actress and food and travel writer Madhur Jaffrey, and actor Saeed Jaffrey. Her parents' divorce at the age of three led to her growing up estranged from her father, who later moved to the United Kingdom. Despite this, Sakina grew up in the culturally rich Greenwich Village section of Manhattan, attending PS 41 and later the Nightingale-Bamford School in the Upper East Side.

Career Highlights

• At the age of 17, Sakina made her professional acting debut in the play Marie and Bruce by Wallace Shawn at the Public Theatre in New York City.
• She appeared alongside her father in the film Masala (1991) and with her mother in The Perfect Murder (1988).
• In 2002, she starred alongside Mark Wahlberg in The Truth About Charlie.
• In 2004, her children Cassius and Jamila appeared with her in Raising Helen.
• In 2008, she starred in the English-language U.S.-Indian drama film The Ode.
• Her breakthrough role came in 2013 as Linda Vasquez, the White House Chief of Staff, in the Netflix series House of Cards.
• In 2014, she appeared in the second season of Fox's television series Sleepy Hollow as Leena Reyes, the new sheriff.
• From 2016 to 2018, she had a starring role in the NBC television series Timeless as Homeland Security Agent Denise Christopher.
• In 2017, she starred as Malini Soni in The Meyerowitz Stories, a comedy-drama film directed by Noah Baumbach and costarring Dustin Hoffman and Adam Sandler.

Personal Life

Sakina Jaffrey lives in suburban New York City with her husband, Francis Wilkinson, a journalist, and their two children, Cassius and Jamila. Despite her busy schedule, she balances her personal and professional life with ease, inspiring countless women around the world.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Sakina Jaffrey's remarkable journey is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and passion for her craft. With her diverse range of roles and exceptional talent, she continues to inspire aspiring actors and actresses, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.