In recent years, Arab actors have been making a significant impact on international television. From Hollywood blockbusters to streaming platform sensations, their presence has helped reshape representation, amplify diverse stories, and break stereotypes about Arab and Middle Eastern identities on screen. These actors are not only showcasing their talent but also bringing authenticity and cultural nuance to characters that resonate with global audiences.
Here are six Arab actors who have left their mark on popular TV series and are redefining what it means to be part of global entertainment.
May Calamawy, an Egyptian-Palestinian actress, became a household name with her breakthrough role as Layla El-Faouly in Marvel’s Moon Knight. Playing the first Arab superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she represented a historic milestone in representation. Her character’s courage and complexity gave audiences a hero that resonated beyond action sequences. Before that, Calamawy had already demonstrated her acting range in Hulu’s Ramy, where she portrayed Dena Hassan, the sharp and ambitious sister of the main character. Her performances highlight her ability to move seamlessly between drama and comedy, while also embodying roles that reflect real cultural dilemmas. Calamawy has quickly established herself as one of the most important Arab voices in Hollywood today, showing how regional identity can strengthen global storytelling.
Ramy Youssef, the Egyptian-American comedian, writer, and actor, has become one of the most influential names in television thanks to his semi-autobiographical series Ramy on Hulu. The show follows a first-generation Muslim-American navigating questions of faith, family, and identity in modern America. Youssef’s performance earned him a Golden Globe Award, while the series itself won critical acclaim for breaking new ground in portraying Arab-American life with humor, vulnerability, and honesty. Beyond acting, Youssef’s role as creator, writer, and director has given him space to tell stories that challenge stereotypes while offering nuanced perspectives. His success underscores the importance of Arab creatives taking control of their narratives in the entertainment industry.
Tony Shalhoub is another towering figure in American television with Arab roots. The Lebanese-American actor has enjoyed a career spanning decades, with his most iconic role being Adrian Monk in the hit detective series Monk. Shalhoub’s portrayal of the obsessive-compulsive detective earned him multiple Emmy Awards and cemented his status as one of the most versatile actors in the industry. More recently, he has charmed new audiences in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, where he plays Abe Weissman, a character that once again demonstrates his gift for mixing depth with comedic timing. Shalhoub’s career is a testament to longevity, talent, and the ability of Arab-American actors to thrive at the very top of Hollywood television.
Haaz Sleiman, a Lebanese-American actor, has made a career out of bringing depth and humanity to complex characters. In Apple TV+’s anthology series Little America, Sleiman starred in the moving episode The Son, portraying a Syrian refugee rebuilding his life in America. His performance was widely praised for its sensitivity and authenticity, resonating with viewers who saw their own immigrant experiences reflected on screen. Sleiman has also appeared in Marvel’s Eternals, further broadening his international visibility. What stands out in his work is his commitment to highlighting immigrant and marginalized stories, making him a powerful voice in advocating for greater diversity in media.
Lojain Ismail, a Syrian actress, has been widely recognized for her historical portrayal in the drama series Muawiya, where she played the titular role of the early Islamic caliph. While historical dramas can be challenging in their scope and cultural responsibility, Ismail’s performance was praised for its depth, authenticity, and sensitivity. By taking on such a pivotal character, she not only showcased her acting prowess but also contributed to cultural storytelling that connects modern audiences with Arab and Islamic history. Her work highlights how Arab actors are equally at home in both global streaming platforms and regionally significant productions.
Omar Ayuso represents a younger generation of Arab talent making waves in Europe and beyond. The Spanish actor of Palestinian descent rose to international fame through Netflix’s Élite, where he plays Omar Shanaa, a queer Muslim teenager grappling with questions of faith, sexuality, and acceptance. His portrayal struck a chord with audiences worldwide, offering rare visibility to underrepresented communities on mainstream television. Ayuso’s role is groundbreaking in how it humanizes and normalizes experiences often ignored in media, while also sparking conversations around representation in both Arab and global contexts. His success reflects the growing influence of streaming platforms in giving diverse actors a global stage.
Together, these actors illustrate how Arab talent is expanding horizons for global television. Their roles challenge outdated stereotypes, showcase a wide spectrum of identities, and bring audiences closer to authentic stories. May Calamawy gave Marvel its first Arab superhero; Ramy Youssef reshaped Arab-American narratives through comedy and drama; Tony Shalhoub built a legacy of excellence with award-winning performances; Haaz Sleiman gave voice to refugee and immigrant struggles; Lojain Ismail connected history with the present through regional storytelling; and Omar Ayuso gave visibility to marginalized queer Muslim identities.
Their collective presence shows that Arab actors are no longer confined to background roles or one-dimensional portrayals. Instead, they are shaping complex, relatable characters that resonate globally. Importantly, they’re also demonstrating that representation goes beyond casting—it’s about giving Arab actors the space to tell stories that reflect the full spectrum of human experience.
As television continues to diversify, the influence of Arab actors will only grow stronger. With platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, and Marvel creating space for multicultural storytelling, audiences can expect to see more Arab talent breaking boundaries and redefining what it means to be a global star. From Hollywood to the Arab world, these actors are not just performers; they are cultural ambassadors who bridge identities and inspire future generations.
