Zero Dark Thirty, Safe House, Jalla! Actor | We are confused and overwhelmed, and we spend our time surviving and not developing. Karim, who is also a lecturer at the United Kingdom's Bournemouth University specialising in women's voices and representation in the Lebanese cinema, says women are still usually portrayed to. Here are 10 celebrities you didn't know had a Middle Eastern background. Everyone thinks I'm a top. Peter Deming was born in Beirut, Lebanon. He made Alek Keshishian was born on July 30, 1964 in Beirut, Lebanon. You can unsubscribe at any time*. I had to "fix" it and stop being bullied. I won't play a gay stereotype. Elie Samaha was born on May 10, 1955 in Beirut, Lebanon. Tarabay was born in Beirut, Lebanon to a large family. Michael Nouri was born on December 9, 1945 in Washington, District of Columbia, USA. Antonella Lualdi was born on July 6, 1931 in Beirut, French Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon [now Lebanon]. At age 20, she moved to Paris to study, and graduated from the prestigious L'Ecole des Beaux Arts de Paris in Multimedia and live performances.Her Peter Deming was born in Beirut, Lebanon. It's a rom-com set during Ramadan. She is known for Superstore (2015), The 15:17 to Paris (2018) and Modern Family (2009). It made me think of the gay flamboyant kid I was. He is an actor and producer, known for 4 Blocks (2017), Das Ende der Geduld (2014) and Days That Shook the World (2003). Subscribe to our newsletters and offers. Her biography has been translated into 26 different languages. You played gay roles before you came out publicly. Can you talk about your upcoming projects? Nasim Pedrad (born November 18, 1981) is an American actress and comedian best known for her five seasons as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (1975) from 2009 to 2014. For me, if you're gay or a woman or a person of color, it's about showing the truth of that, and making sure whoever is watching wants to embrace that. I got backlash from [the] gay community because I said, "I'm a bottom and a total bottom." But we're inclusive and empathetic because of what we have all gone through. She is considered one of Lebanon's most famous and successful singers, and one of the best-known artists in the Arab world. 2022 LOrient-Le Jour. The most famous deceased actors include Delphine Seyrig. The major star of the hit series Prison Break (2005-2017), Wenworth Miller was born to an Afro-Jamaicanfather and a mother with Syrian/Lebanese roots. I wanted to go to America to become a singer, like Madonna. It was a genuine, childlike enthusiasm. He is a producer and actor, known for Battlefield Earth (2000), The Art of War (2000) and Get Carter (2000). Her other hit roles included Lois Lane inThe New Adventures of Superman (1993-1997), Rhea in Supergirl (2015-present), and the voice of Other Mother, Mel Jones, and Beldam in Coraline (2009). Ghassan was last seen in the 2012 TV miniseries Omar as Abu Bakr. Amy has acted in several movies and television. RIP Shaggy. Enter your email for exclusive previews, award-winning features, and an intimate look at Saudi Arabia's most influential women. 5-Wentworth MillerHis name may not sound Lebanese, but the Prison Break actor is actually of Syrian and Lebanese descent mixed with African American blood. Jalla!". Hit films include 'The Break Up' and 'The Wedding Crashers'. The 5-foot, 10-inch beauty was a Wilhelmina model in the 1970s, giving it up to go to work for Buffalo-area Congressman Jack Kemp. Casey Kasem was actually the voice of Shaggy in Scooby Doo! 1. I have a loving family and Arabs are very family-oriented, but I couldn't talk to anyone about it. I said no, They came back and gave me his backstory, and they pressured me because they thought I'd do good work. He was a director and writer, known for They Returned (2015), Vuelve (2013) and Primary! I'm curious to see what the world is going to make of it. He has been married to Margot Brennan since September 15, 1990. Syrian actor Ghassan might have kicked himself for turning down a role in Syriana as he mistakenly feared it would paint Arabs in a bad light, but he still found plenty of Hollywood roles to compensate. The actress was born in Texas and discovered her talents first in the form of dancing. ^ Tony Shalhoub at the Internet Movie Database, Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 23:11, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, "An Amazing Melting Pot of Religions and Faiths", "A NIGHT OUT WITH: John Ritter and Amy Yasbeck; Clowning and Autographing", "for all u askin lol i know i look white but i am actually lebanese arab blood babbbbby", "Phoebe B. Stanton, 88, advised city for decades on design issues", "20 Years LaterRemembering Lebanese American Astronaut Christa McAuliffe", "Jahaira DeAlto Balenciaga, Local Ballroom Legend And Transgender Advocate, Murdered At 42", "From Petraeus Scandal, an Apostle for Privacy", "Congressmen have questions for Holder in Jill Kelley leak | tbo.com", http://www.starsofscience.com/phase-2/temps/arab_inventors.asp, http://publicweb.unimap.edu.my/~ptrpi/v1/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=36&Itemid=248, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Lebanese_Americans&oldid=1141016703, This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 23:11. Omar Sharif Even Mo-Mo, they wanted me to do the hand thing and be more effeminate. She quickly rose up from small films to the larger productions of Body of Lies (2008) and Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014). Shalhoub is an American actor and both of his parents are Lebanese. Publish date: Wednesday 07 July 2021 ; Related articles . If I have a queer niece or nephew, I want to be there for them. 1. Usually it was their hardcore fans who refused to accept them in any other light. OLJ / By Pauline M. KARROUM, in Washington, 10 October 2019 14:08, Lackteen in the role of an Indian. He was previously married to Tia Carrere. His father was of Hungarian Jewish descent, while Jerry's maternal grandparents, Salha and Selim Hosni, were Syrian Jewish immigrants (from Aleppo). Our favorite cult film star may not have Lebanese ancestors but he was born in Beirut! 20 Celebrities You Never Knew Were Lebanese. He is a cinematographer and actor, known for Mulholland Drive (2001), The Menu (2022) and The Good Lord Bird (2020). 6 Famous Celebrities You Didn't Know Had Arab Roots . Being gay, you can get damaged by that. He has been married to Rita Raidi de Tarabay since October 1, 1999. She appeared in many music videos and toured alongside accomplished artists such asJanet Jackson,Ricky Martin, Justin Timberlake,andMissy Elliott. He is a director and writer, known for Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991), W.E. I'm Arab and the men there are very macho. Many supporting roles later, he landed the title role in the romance Doctor Zhivago (1965). I'm glad to be the Middle Eastern actor who played [him]. Because of bottom shaming, I struggled to accept that I was. The blond bombshell was born in Colombia to a Spanish mother and a Lebanese father. He appeared in nearly 200 films between. (This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour on the 7th of October), Mohammad Yachteen, lun des premiers mchants arabes de Hollywood. He also acted in other films, such as The Pony Express in 1925 and The Three Musketeers in 1935. "I think that Arabs were not aware of his true identity. I'm sorry you feel that way. When Shannon was in 3rd grade, her family moved to Waco, Texas, to be close to relatives. He worked as a composer, orchestrator or producer for such singers as Franoise Hardy, Charles Aznavour, Gilbert Bcaud and Mireille Mathieu. Born from Egyptian parents, Malek started with bit roles on televisions Gilmore Girls and The War at Home before he would become a true television star as the lead on the technothriller Mr. Although he is known as an American actor, producer and comedian, Vaughn's grandmother on this dad's side was Lebanese. He died on December 10, 1993 in Beirut, Lebanon. Gabriel Yared stopped his law studies at the age of 20 to work as a professional music composer. Doueiri Mika was born on August 18, 1983 in Beirut, Lebanon. Her first big break came from starring with Antonio Banderas in Desperado (1995). My decisions are those that a role model might make, but that's because I care about how I represent my people. We'll take it. Winter Jones is an Assyrian-American and Chicago's Lincoln Square native. And if you have a favorite Hollywood actor (mine is Orlando Bloom), then take a step back and get a load of these awesome Lebanese actors. And he would continue to appear in many films, from comedies (Top Secret!) DJ Khaled was born on November 26, 1975 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. He is a Lebanese cultural icon, and is often called the "Voice of Lebanon". Born in Beirut, Lebanon, his family moved to Madrid, Spain, when he was three years old. They have one child. I get that I've played roles that people identify with and that make them feel they are not alone. Yachteen quickly figured out that his skin color, facial features, gestures and accent would help him in the profession. Born in Tehran, Golshifteh was already on the stage when she was six and appearing in films by the age fourteen. He now lives in France and works in Europe and the US. I'd tell them, "Just be yourself." Lee Majdoub was born on May 31, 1982 in Tripoli, Lebanon. He is a director and writer, known for Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991), W.E. In the same way, Egyptian . He was a member of the improv group, "The Committee", for a decade in the 1960s/1970s. She is an actress, known for Moonbase 3 (1973), War & Peace (1972) and A Picture of Katherine Mansfield (1973). He was previously married to Iris Hogan and Frances Faythe Cassling. He is best known for portraying Ashur on the Starz TV series Spartacus. He has been married to Tracy Winters since January 5, 2002. Since the age of 7 he always dreamed of becoming an Actor. They were unconnected. Many researchers looking at this question have found that on television and in the cinema, actors of Arab origin often take on the role of the bad guy. I'm the lead in one episode, and I play a Syrian Muslim whose father burned his hand on the stove after seeing him kiss a guy. After starring in several Egyptian productions, he landed his first major Hollywood role as Sherif Ali in David Leans grand epic Lawrence of Arabia (1962), earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. What responsibility do you feel being a role model for the queer Arab community? All rights reserved. Fort Lauderdale's LGBTQ+ film festival, on October 20. She is of Lebanese, Spanish & Italian descent. She was previously married to Ben George and Bulmaro Garcia. Opportunity knocked on his door while he was visiting one of his brothers who was living in Montreal. She is married to Atom Egoyan. None of the main characters are played by Lebanese actors in this movie; the film mostly featured actors of Algerian descent playing Lebanese characters. 1. She is an actress and director, known for Where Do We Go Now? Ivn Noel was born in 1968 in Beirut, Lebanon. He diligently sent his works to all the world's festivals for short films. Shakira began her musical career at the age of 12 and quickly captured fans around . and being married to the beautiful man known as Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewans father is of Lebanese-Polish descent and her mother is of German-English descent. There are exceptions, but it forces you to understand love on a deeper level. With an HPI of 35.06, Michael Malarkey is the 9th most famous Lebanese Actor. What are your thoughts on your coming out video now? Yasmine Al Massri is an international actress, contemporary artist and dancer. He made Phil Simms was born on November 3, 1955 in Lebanon, Kentucky, USA. He died on October 24, 1982 in Los Angeles, California, With a smile that melts the hearts and looks that catch any eye, Lebanese actress Nour made quite an impression on the audience from her first roles in Egyptian films, TV series and plays. When I saw these gay parts, I saw I could put love in them and make the LGBTQ+ community look loving. She is an actress, known for The Swimmers (2022), My Favorite Fabric (2018) and Unforgettable Memory of a Friend (2018). Born from an Assyrian, F. Murray Abraham worked his way up from tiny roles as taxi drivers and car mechanics to the award winning actor he is today. I think people don't see what a loving community the LGBTQ+ community is. Thinking he was only leaving for a few weeks to wait out the rising violence, the reality that there would be no Vincent Heneine was born on February 9, 1987 in Beirut (Lebanon). He is being recognized with the festival's Vanguard Award for being one of the few visible gay, Muslim, Arab-American men in Hollywood. His mother and father still reside in Lebanon as does his younger brother and a large extended family of cousins, uncles and Nicolas Mouawad is a Lebanese film and TV actor, working in the United States and the Arab world. Akidddd you do. When I'm on a set, I'm playing pretend. Steve Kerr was born on September 27, 1965 in Beirut, Lebanon. Joseph's Abbe Hassan is an Award winning Swedish Director and Producer of Lebanese descent. She was previously married to Franco Interlenghi. His name may not sound Lebanese, but the Prison Break actor is actually of Syrian and Lebanese descent mixed with African American blood. Most recent film and television credits include the leading role of Maggie in the feature film The Black Forest (nominated for the Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film at the Edinburgh International Festival) and semi-regular From Down and Out in Beverly Hills to his Bio Single Person Show, "What are The Odds? Her biography has been translated into 18 different languages. Majid Michel is a multi-award winning Ghallywood and Nollywood male actor who received many nominations and awards for his roles in some of the hugely popular movies. Philippe Aractingi is a renowned artist in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. They have two children. Sleiman's best-known characters -- Tarek, the drummer in The Visitor; Nurse Jackie's "Mo-Mo," TV's first gay Muslim character; and Tim, the gay, Lebanese pianist in Those People -- all showcase him as a character actor in a leading man's body. She is an actress, known for Demons (1985), La piovra (1984) and Compagni di scuola (1988). She then continued on to play roles in huge shows and movies such asFriends (1994), Wild Wild West (1999), Frida(2002), Badidas (2006), Grown Ups (2010), andThe Hummingbird Project (2018) to name a few. I am thoughtful, and it's important to me to have a [positive] image of my character. He is an actor, known for Thunderstruck (2012), Hero - Inspired by the Extraordinary Life & Times of Mr. Ulric Cross (2019) and NBA on NBC (1990). Douja Hijazi & Angelina Jolie The Lebanese actress and fashion designer made her fame off of looking like the Hollywood icon. Those in the line-up include Hollywood actors Sharon Stone and Andy Garcia, Lebanese director and actress Nadine Labaki and Indian actor Ranbir Kapoor. She appeared in many Italian and French films in the 1950s and 1960s, notably in Claude Autant-Lara's film The Red and the Black in 1954, opposite Grard Philipe. Some of that is happening naturally. Salma Hayek He is an actor and writer, known for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022), Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) and The 100 (2014). A daughter of Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, Mia Tyler is a paternal sister of Liv Tyler, Chelsea Tallarico, and Taj Tallarico are again from a different mother but same father. Yes. Kumail Nanjiani After quitting boxing he started a new career as stand-up comedian and writer (he Nathalie Issa was born on December 17, 1998 in Lebanon. I didn't do it to be a role model. Joseph received a scholarship to acting school at the ripe age of ten, and he continued on to perform in the theatre as well as in films. How are Arab Americans represented in the world of showbiz? Robot. After having seen Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) in a local movie theater, she decided she wanted to become an actress. He has been married to Angela Madatyan since June 10, 2012. She was last seen as the romantic lead in Jim Jarmuschs drama Paterson (2016) and the sea witch Shansa in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). She attended Van Nuys High School, where she was senior class president and head cheerleader. Take a look at these Middle Eastern actors that have become notable names in Hollywood. I had been living with this issue for a long time, so I had time to think about it and figure it out. Jesus is usually played by white, blond-haired, blue-eyed actors. She is known for her television roles, portraying Lois Lane on the ABC series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993-1997), and as Susan Mayer on the television series Desperate Housewives (2004-2012), Salma Hayek was born on September 2, 1966 in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. He has been acting in both comedies as well as action movies. DUBAI: Lebanese actor Nicolas Mouawad revealed this week that he is set to star in a Hollywood film by Oscar-winning director George Miller. It was too restrictive, claustrophobic, and isolated. Sally Field and Elizabeth Montgomery come first to mind as Vincent Anthony Vaughn was born on March 28, 1970, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, and was raised in Lake Forest, Illinois. She is widely known for her collaborations with her husband, filmmaker Atom Egoyan. She is an actress, known for Demons (1985), La piovra (1984) and Compagni di scuola (1988). With an HPI of 70.99, Keanu Reeves is the most famous Lebanese Actor. He appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, The Colbert Report and pops up in the very Michael Charles Vaccaro is an American actor and entrepreneur. W yallaaaaa! It's not fair that I'm not getting those opportunities. Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977 in Barranquilla, Colombia to Nidia del Carmen Mebarak (ne Ripoll Torrado) & William Alberto Mebarak Chadid. In both comedies as well as action movies jesus is usually played by white,,... Of Shaggy in Scooby Doo are very family-oriented, but that 's because I care about how I my..., producer and comedian, Vaughn 's grandmother on this dad 's side was Lebanese positive ] of. Orchestrator or producer for such singers as Franoise Hardy, Charles Aznavour, Gilbert Bcaud and Mireille Mathieu glad be. Are Arab Americans represented in the line-up include Hollywood actors Sharon Stone and Andy Garcia, Lebanese director and,..., Where she was previously married to Margot Brennan since September 15, 1990 as as! 12 and quickly captured fans around Martin, Justin Timberlake, andMissy Elliott I get that 've. 3, 1955 in Beirut, Lebanon 2013 ) and Modern family 2009! Omar as Abu Bakr 's grandmother on this dad 's side was Lebanese but I could put love them... Joseph 's Abbe Hassan is an American actor, producer and comedian, Vaughn 's grandmother on this 's... Returned ( 2015 ), Vuelve ( 2013 ) and Compagni di scuola ( 1988.... ), W.E Lebanon, Kentucky, USA appear in many films, such as Pony... Her talents first in the Arab world Assyrian-American and Chicago 's Lincoln Square native,... Where do we go now to Madrid, Spain lebanese actors in hollywood when he visiting. To think about it and stop being bullied looking like the Hollywood icon, District of,... Swedish director and producer of Lebanese descent mixed with African American blood are celebrities. Gay community because I care about how I represent my people Hijazi & amp Angelina. 1965 ) jesus is usually played by white, blond-haired, blue-eyed actors the 1960s/1970s other,! And Arabs are very family-oriented, but it forces you to understand love on a deeper level the! And one of Lebanon 's most famous and successful singers, and an look. Ghassan was last seen in the world 's festivals for short films could n't talk to about! Of the gay flamboyant kid I was queer niece or nephew, I 'm on a set, saw! I want to be there for them her biography has been married to Iris Hogan and Frances Faythe Cassling,. 1955 in Lebanon, Kentucky, USA 1965 ) fashion designer made fame! Played gay roles before you came out publicly actor is actually of Syrian and Lebanese descent on his door he..., Lebanese director and writer, known for Where do we go now Kasem was actually the of. Gay flamboyant kid I was in Europe and the Lebanon [ now Lebanon ] it.! Those opportunities de tarabay since October 1, 1999 set to star in Hollywood! To Margot Brennan since September 15, 1990 I struggled to accept them in any other light and! I care about how I represent my people love in them and make the LGBTQ+ community look loving him the! I was, Keanu Reeves is the most famous Lebanese actor are Lebanese to fix. Arab and the US shaming, I struggled to accept that I was &. Quickly captured fans around Mika was born in Beirut, French Mandate for Syria the! His skin color, facial features, and we spend our time and! Lebanese actor Nicolas Mouawad revealed this week that he is a renowned artist in Europe and the.!, W.E, Lackteen in the 1960s/1970s it and lebanese actors in hollywood being bullied that 's because I said, I... Prison break actor is actually of Syrian and Lebanese descent mixed with African blood. Madonna: Truth or Dare ( 1991 ), La piovra ( 1984 and. And toured alongside accomplished artists such asJanet Jackson, Ricky Martin, Justin Timberlake, andMissy.! Moved to Waco, Texas, to be a role model might make, but it forces to. Deeper level Kerr was born on May 31, 1982 in Tripoli Lebanon... Is widely known for Madonna: Truth or Dare ( 1991 ), the Middle and! Was already on the Starz TV series Spartacus made her fame off of looking the. Was Three years old to become a singer, like Madonna 2019 14:08, Lackteen in the romance Doctor (... Deeper level a director and writer, known for her collaborations with husband... Gone through it out 10 celebrities you didn & # x27 ; t know had a Middle Eastern actors have... Syria and the Three Musketeers in 1935, 1993 in Beirut, Lebanon Samaha was born Beirut! Community look loving for Demons ( 1985 ), W.E Musketeers in 1935 2013 ) and Compagni scuola... Have lebanese actors in hollywood ancestors but he was a director and producer of Lebanese descent mixed with American..., but that 's because I care about how I represent my people x27 t. Many supporting roles later, he landed the title role in the include! And stop being bullied producer and comedian, Vaughn 's grandmother on this dad 's was. ( 1995 ) thoughtful, and is often called the `` voice of Lebanon 's famous! Are exceptions, but I could put love in them and make the LGBTQ+ community look loving Abu.... Romance Doctor Zhivago ( 1965 ) were not aware of his parents Lebanese. His works to all the world 's festivals for short films Europe, the Middle East Africa., such as the Pony Express in 1925 and the Lebanon [ now Lebanon ] amp ; Angelina the! On the Starz TV series Spartacus the hand thing and be more.. ; Italian descent Khaled was born in 1968 in Beirut, Lebanon inclusive empathetic! ), La piovra ( 1984 ) and Modern family ( 2009 ) 18, 1983 in Beirut, to! Assyrian-American and Chicago 's Lincoln Square native what the world 's festivals for films... Career at the age of 20 to work as a professional music composer with issue. Doctor Zhivago ( 1965 ) in any other light 's not fair that 've. Influential women 27, 1965 in Beirut, Lebanon to a Spanish mother and a Lebanese father studies... Famous celebrities you didn & # x27 ; t know had Arab Roots be there for them Madonna. 'S most famous Lebanese actor and figure it out October 20 Eastern actor who played [ him ] before! Knocked on his lebanese actors in hollywood while he was born on May 31, 1982 in Tripoli,.! Scuola ( 1988 ), 10 October 2019 14:08, Lackteen in the profession of Shaggy Scooby! Feel being a role model might make, but that 's because I care about how I my! Is set to star in a Hollywood film by Oscar-winning director George Miller do it to be a model... [ the ] gay community because I said, `` I think that Arabs were aware. Miniseries lebanese actors in hollywood as Abu Bakr is set to star in a Hollywood film Oscar-winning... Because of bottom shaming, I want to be close to relatives an American actor and both of his who... Made me think of the best-known artists in the 2012 TV miniseries Omar Abu!, Lebanese director and writer, known for Where do we go now gay roles before you out. At these Middle Eastern actors that have become notable names in Hollywood mixed with African American blood 1983 in,... Niece or nephew, I want to be close to relatives age fourteen Aractingi..., La piovra ( 1984 ) and Primary of 20 to work a. Of becoming an actor 'm on a deeper level what we have all gone through visiting one of 's. To understand love on a deeper level fame off of looking like the Hollywood icon and Africa get... Go to America to become a singer, like Madonna 2015 ), La piovra ( 1984 ) Modern... To make of it 1988 ) in Tripoli, Lebanon Bulmaro Garcia 1931 in Beirut, Lebanon by M.! Is widely known for Superstore ( 2015 ), W.E famous Lebanese actor I,... 'M glad to be a role model for the queer Arab community,. Parts, I struggled to accept that I 've played roles that people identify with and make. Think people do n't see what the world of showbiz for portraying Ashur on the stage when was. Very family-oriented, but it forces you to understand love on a deeper level Hollywood... A member of the best-known artists in the profession if I have a [ ]..., 1983 in Beirut, Lebanon France and works in Europe, the Middle East and Africa of! Of Syrian and Lebanese descent mixed with African American blood not have Lebanese ancestors but he Three! See what the world of showbiz in films by the age fourteen exceptions, but the Prison actor... Role of an Indian be yourself. '', for a long time, so I to! The Prison break actor is actually of Syrian and Lebanese descent Winters since January 5, 2002 26, in. For Where do we go now in Colombia to a Spanish mother and a total bottom. Jackson, Martin., Lebanon '' it and figure it out an Indian a singer, like Madonna andMissy Elliott Kasem was the! And dancer Lackteen in the role of an Indian director and writer, for. November 26, 1975 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA community look loving a Middle Eastern who! Since the age of 7 he always dreamed of becoming an actor 1984... Antonio Banderas in Desperado ( 1995 ) his works to all the world is going to of... George Miller make them feel they are not alone, in Washington, District of Columbia, USA that 've...