Barkhad Abdi Biography

Barkhad Abdi is a Somali-American actor and independent director, best known for his award-winning role in the multiple-Oscar-nominated biographical thriller ‘Captain Phillips.’ Despite being a non-professional actor, he was cast by director Paul Greengrass to play the menacing leader of Somali pirates in the film. Since his debut role, Abdi has appeared in major Hollywood projects and continues to strive for excellence in his craft. Hailing from a first-generation Somali immigrant family, he was named an ambassador for the grassroots African humanitarian NGO, Adeso.

Quick Facts

  • Age: 38 Years
  • Born Country: Somalia
  • Height: 5’10” (178 cm)
  • Ancestry: Somali American
  • Notable Alumni: Minnesota State University Moorhead
  • City: Mogadishu, Somalia
  • Education: Minnesota State University Moorhead

Childhood & Emigration to America

Barkhad Abdinasir Abdi was born on April 10, 1985, into a Majeerteen family in Mogadishu, Somalia. He grew up with two brothers and a sister, being the second of four children. When Abdi was only 6 years old, his family decided to flee to Yemen to escape the civil war in Somalia. He witnessed a year of war before leaving Somalia. Abdi has both good and bad memories of his time in Somalia.

Abdi and his family were accepted as legal refugees in the US and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1999. Minneapolis had a thriving Somali community, the largest in North America. Adjusting to life in America was a challenge for Abdi. He had to give up playing football (soccer) and instead learned how to play basketball to fit in. He later attended Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Career

While working as a limousine driver in Minneapolis, Abdi answered an open casting call for the film “Captain Phillips” in 2013. He auditioned with three of his close friends and they were all hired together. The film, directed by Paul Greengrass, went on to receive six Oscar nominations. Abdi was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Golden Globes. He won the BAFTA award for his performance in the film.

After “Captain Phillips,” Abdi worked at his brother’s shop and had a guest role in an episode of “Hawaii Five-0.” He also appeared in “Eye in the Sky,” “The Brothers Grimsby,” and voiced a character in “Family Guy.” In 2017, he appeared in “Pirates of Somalia,” “Good Time,” and “Blade Runner 2049.” His upcoming projects include “Castle Rock,” “Beneath a Sea of Lights,” and “Tyson’s Run.”

Family & Personal Life

Abdi plans to make a permanent move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He divides his time between Los Angeles and Minneapolis. He is 5’10” and weighs about 120 pounds. Abdi believes that “Captain Phillips” changed his life for the better and wants people to know how hard-working Somalis are. He admires actors such as Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Denzel Washington.

Trivia: Abdi and his Somali castmates were kept from meeting Tom Hanks until their first scene together. The famous line “I’m the captain now” was an improvisation by Abdi. He has a lump on his forehead from a previous vehicular accident.

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