Hani Al Naimi
Born: 1962-08-07 in Palestine
Known For: Acting
Biography
Hani Al Naimi (birth-name Michael Anthony Desante) is an Arab American actor, writer and director of Palestinian descent. He was born in Bethlehem and spent the beginning years of his childhood in Beirut, Lebanon. At age 9 he attended Fettes College for Boys in Edinburgh, Scotland and then Hurtwood House in Surrey, England where he completed his school. His interest in acting started at an early age with school play renditions of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night Dream" and "Much Ado About Nothing." He was 12 when Andrew Lloyd Webber came to his school to cast his play "Joseph and His Technicolor Dreamcoat" for its Edinburgh premiere; Hani was selected to be in the choir and went on to be in the production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" as well. After graduating from school, Hani moved to the United States to continue his education, where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. His dedication and passion for acting and storytelling never wavered. Shortly thereafter Hani was discovered by casting director Judith Holstra when she cast him in his first movie role with Mariel Hemingway.
Filmography
2023
- Ruthless as Rich Barker
2022
- Black Warrant as Hussein Bin Farri
2016
- Last Stop as Hank
2012
- Harodim as The Terrorist
2010
- The Portal as Charlie Jessup
2008
- The Hurt Locker as Iraqi Translator
2007
- The Road to Empire as Dr. Marciano
2005
- Soldier of God as Yaqut
2003
- Cradle 2 the Grave as Egyptian Buyer
2001
- The Agency as Aziz
1993
- seaQuest DSV as Olden
1992
- Melrose Place as Limo Driver