Introduction
Barkhad Abdi is a Somali-American actor who rose to fame in 2013 with his debut role as Muse in the movie Captain Phillips. Since then, he has appeared in several other movies and TV shows, winning critical acclaim for his performances. In this blog post, we will explore Barkhad Abdi’s journey from a struggling actor to a successful Hollywood star, his net worth, and his personal life.
Early Life and Career
Barkhad Abdi was born in Somalia in 1985 and grew up in Yemen before moving to the United States as a teenager. He settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he worked a series of odd jobs to make ends meet. In 2011, he saw a casting call for the movie Captain Phillips and decided to audition for the role of the lead pirate, Muse.
Despite having no prior acting experience, Abdi impressed the filmmakers with his audition and was cast in the role. He underwent intense training to prepare for the role and worked closely with director Paul Greengrass to bring authenticity to his performance. The movie was a critical and commercial success, earning Abdi an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Movie Career
Following the success of Captain Phillips, Barkhad Abdi appeared in several other movies, including Eye in the Sky, The Brothers Grimsby, and Blade Runner 2049. He also lent his voice to the animated movie The Pirates! Band of Misfits. Despite his success, Abdi has spoken publicly about the challenges he faces as a black actor in Hollywood, citing a lack of opportunities and typecasting.
However, Abdi has continued to pursue his passion for acting and has several upcoming projects in the works, including the TV series Castle Rock and the movie Run Sweetheart Run.
Net Worth
As of 2021, Barkhad Abdi’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. While this may seem modest compared to other Hollywood stars, it is a significant achievement for someone who started out as a struggling actor with no connections in the industry. Abdi’s net worth is expected to grow as he continues to land more roles and build his career.
Personal Life
Barkhad Abdi is notoriously private about his personal life and has not spoken much about his relationships or family. However, it is known that he has a girlfriend named Kadija Mbowe, who is also an actress. The couple has been together for several years and often attend events together.
Abdi has also been open about his struggles with dental health, revealing that he lost his teeth due to a combination of genetics and poor dental hygiene. However, he has since undergone extensive dental work to restore his smile, which he credits with boosting his confidence and improving his career prospects.
Conclusion
Barkhad Abdi’s journey from a struggling actor to a Hollywood star is a testament to his talent and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, Abdi has remained focused on his goals and has achieved remarkable success in a relatively short amount of time. As he continues to build his career, we can expect to see more great performances from this talented actor.
