Barkhad Abdi made his acting debut as Somali 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.
13 Facts About Barkhad Abdi
2.
Barkhad Abdi was born to Somali Bantu parents on April 10,1985, in Mogadishu, Banaadir, Somalia.
3.
In 1999, Barkhad Abdi and his family relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where there is a large Somali community.
4.
Barkhad Abdi graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2003 and attended Minnesota State University Moorhead.
5.
Barkhad Abdi worked as a limousine driver at a relative's chauffeur company and as a DJ.
6.
Barkhad Abdi made his debut in the 2013 film Captain Phillips, playing ship hijacker and pirate leader Abduwali Muse.
7.
Barkhad Abdi was cast following a worldwide search for the lead roles.
8.
Barkhad Abdi was paid $65,000 for his appearance in the film and returned to working in his brother's shop afterwards.
9.
In 2015, Barkhad Abdi appeared in an episode of the series Hawaii Five-0, playing former warlord Roko Makoni.
10.
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.
11.
In October 2017, Barkhad Abdi featured in Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049, in a minor role of a scientist.
12.
Barkhad Abdi made his directorial debut with the Somali film Ciyaalka Xaafada.
13.
In 2013, Barkhad Abdi began to serve as an Ambassador for Adeso, a non-governmental organisation founded by the Somali environmentalist Fatima Jibrell.