Barkhad Abdi’s journey has taken him to unfamiliar places throughout his life. When he was just 7 years old, his family moved from war-torn Somalia to Yemen, where he picked up Arabic while playing soccer. At the age of 14, he relocated to Minneapolis, where he learned English by listening to Jay-Z songs and watching “Seinfeld” episodes.
Now, at 27, Abdi has found his place in yet another new location: Hollywood. He stars alongside Tom Hanks in the movie “Captain Phillips,” directed by Paul Greengrass. This gripping, fact-based thriller tells the story of Abdi’s character, Muse, a Somali pirate who seizes control of an American cargo ship and holds its captain hostage. The film was released last Friday, showcasing Abdi’s remarkable journey from his early life experiences to his Hollywood success.
Barkhad Abdi, a Somali native, has spoken out against criticism he’s received for his committed portrayal in the film “Captain Phillips.” Abdi, who faced negative feedback from online users, defended his dedication to the role. He explained, “I receive criticism and hate for immersing myself in my character in the ‘Captain Phillips’ movie. I took the character seriously because it was my opportunity to come to the United States, and I had to convince the producer.”
Notably, this was Abdi’s first professional film, marking a significant turning point in his life. The film allowed him to fulfill his dream of living in the USA and achieving financial success. As a result of his outstanding performance, Abdi has received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, sharing the screen with Tom Hanks in “Captain Phillips.”
The moral of the story is clear: seize every job opportunity and give your best effort. Barkhad Abdi, once a struggling young man in Somalia, transformed his life through dedication and commitment when presented with the chance to work with American producers on a movie.