Omar Berdouni
Born: 1979-07-20 in Tangier, Morocco
Known For: Acting
Biography
Omar Berdouni – Moroccan actor, born 20 July 1979 in Tangier, Morocco. Grew up in Tangier and pursued acting as a hobby before moving to London, where he graduated from the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in 2003. He is best known for portraying Middle Eastern and North African characters in Hollywood films focused on counterterrorism and geopolitical conflict. His most notable film roles include Ahmed al-Haznawi in United 93 (2006, directed by Paul Greengrass), Prince Ahmed Bin Khaled in The Kingdom (2007), Al-Saleem's Lieutenant in Body of Lies (2008, opposite Leonardo DiCaprio), Righteous Ali in Green Zone (2010, directed by Paul Greengrass), Nemo in Captain Phillips (2013, directed by Paul Greengrass), and Faiz Jaber in 7 Days in Entebbe (2018). On television he appeared as Ramzi bin al-Shibh in The Hamburg Cell (2004), Ahmed in the BBC series Occupation (2009), and Yassir in Strike Back (2010). He almost turned down his role in United 93 due to concerns about Hollywood stereotyping Arabs, but ultimately researched primary sources including Muhammad Atta's instructional letter to the operatives to bring authenticity to the performance.
Filmography
2024
2018
- 7 Days in Entebbe as Faiz Jaber
2013
- Captain Phillips as Nemo
2010
- Green Zone as Righteous Ali
2009
- Occupation as Ahmed
2007
- The Kingdom as Prince Ahmed Bin Khaled
- The Situation as Bashar
- Extraordinary Rendition as Zaafir
2006
- United 93 as Ahmed Al Haznawi
2004
- The Hamburg Cell as Ramzi bin al Shibh