1. Barkhad Abdi made his acting debut as the pirate Abduwali Muse in the biographical drama film Captain Phillips, which earned him a British Academy Film Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, along with Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
Barkhad Abdi was born to Somali Omar Mahmoud Majerten parents on April 10,1985, in Mogadishu, Banaadir, Somalia.
Barkhad Abdi graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2003 and attended Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Barkhad Abdi worked as a limousine driver at a relative's chauffeur company and as a DJ.
Barkhad Abdi made his debut in the Paul Greengrass directed film Captain Phillips, playing ship hijacker and pirate leader Abduwali Muse.
Barkhad Abdi was cast opposite Tom Hanks, following a worldwide search for the lead roles.
Barkhad Abdi was paid $65,000 for his appearance in the film and returned to working in his brother's shop afterwards.
Barkhad Abdi received nominations for the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In 2015, Barkhad Abdi appeared in an episode of the series Hawaii Five-0, playing former warlord Roko Makoni.
Barkhad Abdi appeared in the 2015 thriller Eye in the Sky as Kenyan undercover agent Jama Farah, and he had a role in The Brothers Grimsby.
In October 2017, Barkhad Abdi featured in Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049, in a minor role of a scientist.
Barkhad Abdi made his directorial debut with the Somali film Ciyaalka Xaafada.
In 2019, Barkhad Abdi reunited with Captain Philips castmate Faysal Ahmed, in the second season of Castle Rock, in which he starred in 10 episodes.
In 2013, Barkhad Abdi began to serve as an Ambassador for Adeso, a non-governmental organisation founded by the Somali environmentalist Fatima Jibrell.
Barkhad Abdi resided in Los Angeles, California as of 2014 and in 2016 lived in Cedar-Riverside, Minneapolis, Minnesota.