Barkhad Abdi

**Barkhad Abdi** (_Somali: Barkhad Cabdi_) is a critically acclaimed Somali–American actor born on April 10, 1985. His versatile acting career began with a riveting performance as the pirate Abduwali Muse in the film _Captain Phillips_ (2013). This outstanding debut won him a British Academy Film Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and he was also nominated for the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award. Following his stunning breakout role, Abdi delivered more memorable performances in films like _Eye in the Sky_ (2015), _Good Time_ (2017), _The Pirates of Somalia_ (2017), and _Blade Runner 2049_ (2017). Apart from films, he showcased his talent in the Hulu horror anthology _Castle Rock_ (2019) and the Showtime satirical comedy series _The Curse_ (2023). Abdi was born to Somali Bantu and Majerten parents in Mogadishu, Somalia. His journey from a child facing the hardships of the Somali Civil War to an acclaimed actor in the American film industry is an inspirational tale. He started his adult life working at his brother's mobile phone shop and later as a limousine driver. However, a casting call in Minneapolis for _Captain Phillips_ catapulted him into acting, bringing his unique talent to the world's attention. Post _Captain Phillips_, Abdi continued to act in numerous films and even directed the Somali film _Ciyaalka Xaafada_. Simultaneously, his philanthropic activities include serving as an Ambassador for Adeso, an NGO founded by Somali environmentalist Fatima Jibrell.