Barkhad Abdi is a Somali-American actor who is best known for his outstanding performance in the blockbuster movie "Captain Phillips". Born in 1985 in Mogadishu, Barkhad Abdi moved to Yemen with his family when he was just seven years old due to the outbreak of the Somali Civil War. After living in Yemen for several years, Barkhad Abdi's family finally moved to Minneapolis in 1999 to seek a better life.
Despite facing many challenges in adjusting to life in the United States, Barkhad Abdi graduated from college with a degree in political science. However, it was his passion for acting that led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Barkhad Abdi's breakthrough came in 2013 when he landed his first acting role as Muse, a Somali pirate, in the critically acclaimed film "Captain Phillips". His outstanding performance in the movie earned him several awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This was a remarkable achievement for a first-time actor who had no prior experience in the film industry.
Since his breakthrough in "Captain Phillips", Barkhad Abdi has appeared in several other films and TV shows. He has also lent his voice to various video games, including Call of Duty: Black Ops II. In addition to his acting career, Barkhad Abdi is also a successful commercial actor and has appeared in numerous advertisements for major brands, such as AT&T and Guinness.
Despite the success he has achieved in his career, Barkhad Abdi remains humble and grounded. He is grateful for the opportunities that have come his way and is committed to using his platform to inspire and motivate others.