Rami Malek | Success Story of the Iconic Actor

Rami Malek is an American actor and producer. He gained worldwide recognition after starring in the biographical drama Bohemian Rhapsody. Rami has been a part of the entertainment industry for almost two decades. In his career, he has acted in significant projects like Mr. Robot, Night at the Museum film trilogy, James Bond’s No Time to Die, Battleship, and Ain’t Them Bodies Saints. For his outstanding performance in Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami won an Academy Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and British Academy Film Award. 

About

Rami Malek rose to fame in 2015 after appearing as the lead star in the American drama thriller Mr. Robot. For his performance, he won the prestigious Primetime Emmy Award. Rami created history in 2019 by becoming the first actor of Egyptian heritage to win an Oscar. In his long and successful career, Rami has worked with iconic artists like Daniel Craig, Ben Stiller, Joaquin Phoenix, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and Robert De Niro. The film and TV fraternity considers Rami one of the generation’s most talented actors. 

Early Life

On the 12th of May 1981, Rami Said Malek was born in Torrance, California, USA. His parents were Egyptian immigrants. Rami has an identical twin who is four minutes younger than him. He also has an older sister. The family moved to California in 1978. In Egypt, Rami’s father, Said Malek, worked as a travel agent and tour guide. Intrigued by the Western visitors, Rami’s father wanted to move to the USA. In contrast, Rami’s mother, Nelly Abdel Malek, did not wish to leave Egypt. However, she later agreed with her husband, and the family moved to California. Upon relocating, both Nelly and Said started working to make ends meet. Said sold insurance, and Nelly worked as an accountant. Rami grew up near Hollywood but never ventured into it. He attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, for schooling.

As a child, due to cultural differences, Rami found it challenging to make friends. He was in the same class as prominent actors Rachel Bilson and Kirsten Dunst. Rami’s parents wanted him to become a lawyer. As a result, Rami joined the school’s debate team. However, he struggled to win the debate due to weak arguments. But Rami’s debate teacher noticed his talent for dramatic expressions. Consequently, he asked Rami to participate in a play by Charles Fuller. Rami was twelve years old at the time. While Rami was performing, his father got emotional. His parents loved his performance in the play. Later, Rami started participating in the school’s drama activities with his brother. He attended the University of Evansville in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, to study theatre. Rami stayed in England for a semester and studied at Harlaxton College in Lincolnshire.

Beginning of Career

In 2003, Rami graduated with a bachelor of fine arts degree. After graduating, he moved to New York to find acting opportunities. However, he failed to earn significant roles. Later, he returned to Los Angeles to visit his parents. While Rami was in Los Angeles, he met renowned casting director Mali Fin. She told him to stay back in LA and for acting opportunities in Hollywood. Rami agreed and moved back to his parent’s house. He did several odd jobs to make ends meet. From delivering pizzas to making shawarmas, Rami did it all. He had sent his resume to several production houses but failed to get a role. As a result, Rami started getting depressed. Finally, a famous casting director called him after one and a half years. She cast Rami in the American comedy-drama TV series Gilmore Girls. 

Initial Years

In 2004, Rami made his acting debut with Gilmore Girls. The same year, he appeared in two theatre productions Johnny Boy and Shoes. Later, in 2005, Andy Cadiff cast Rami as Kenny in the American sitcom The War at Home. Rami gained considerable recognition for his performance. The following year, he made his big screen debut with the blockbuster movie Night at the Museum. Between 2007-2014, Rami continued to play supporting roles in significant projects. He acted in the sequel of the Night at the Museum trilogy, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, Battleship, 24, and The Pacific. For his performance in The Pacific, Rami received a letter of appreciation from Tom Hanks.

Wider Recognition

In 2014, after auditioning over 100 actors, Sam Esmail chose Rami to play the role of Elliot Alderson. Elliot is a mentally unstable cybersecurity engineer and hacker in Mr. Robot. The show achieved critical and commercial success. It garnered several prestigious accolades, including the Emmy and Golden Globe. Through the role, Rami gained wider recognition. However, it was in 2018 when he became a global star. Rami portrayed Freddie Mercury in the biographical drama Bohemian Rhapsody. The film received worldwide acclaim. It grossed over $900 million at the box office. For his outstanding performance, Rami won an Oscar, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and BAFTA for the best actor in a leading role. Through these milestones, Rami Malek became an iconic star in the industry.

Also read: Gerard Butler | Success Story of the Scottish Actor