Zeeko Zaki’s casting as Special Agent Omar Adom “O.A.” Zidan on CBS’s FBI marks a groundbreaking moment for Arab-American representation in the entertainment industry. The actor, born to Egyptian parents in Alexandria, Egypt, is not only the first Egyptian-born actor to lead a major U.S. network show, but he’s also part of a cultural shift that is slowly but surely reshaping the portrayal of Arab-Americans in Hollywood.
Breaking Stereotypes and Challenging Norms
When Zaki was cast in FBI, he made history as the first Egyptian-born Muslim actor to star in a lead role on a major U.S. TV series. It was a monumental opportunity, particularly because it’s so rare to see positive representations of Muslim and Arab characters on mainstream television. Zaki’s portrayal of O.A. Zidan, a skilled and honorable FBI agent, offers an alternative to the usual portrayal of Arab characters in the media, which often leans heavily on stereotypes, particularly the “terrorist” trope.
Zaki reflects on how he was pushed by legendary TV producer Dick Wolf to embrace the responsibility of representing Muslims and Arabs in a positive light. Wolf, known for creating the Law & Order franchise, reportedly gave Zaki one important piece of advice: “If we can get one person who watches FBI to think ‘hey, maybe all Muslims aren’t terrorists,’ then we are, at the very least, starting to shift the needle.” Zaki, however, did not want to force the idea of ethnicity or religion down viewers’ throats, instead wanting to show O.A. as a “normal guy” whose ethnicity and faith are part of who he is but do not define him.
A Risky Audition and Career Challenges
Zaki’s journey to leading FBI was not without its challenges. Before landing the role of O.A., Zaki was caught in a period of frustration, struggling with auditions and even facing financial difficulties. His audition for the role of O.A. was a last-minute decision and was filled with the kind of desperation that led to Zaki delivering an audition performance unlike anything he had done before. Despite initially being told the role was intended for a Latino actor, Zaki took a risk and submitted a self-tape in which he gave a powerful, raw performance. That risk paid off when Dick Wolf saw something in Zaki that led to him rethinking the role and casting the actor in the lead part.
Despite being typecast early in his career, Zaki embraced it, jokingly saying he decided to “make some money” and “embrace the stereotype” at the time. This perspective helped him deal with the frustrations that often come with being pigeonholed in Hollywood. He has never run away from his Arab identity and instead uses his heritage and Muslim values as the foundation for playing O.A., adding authenticity to his character. Zaki’s commitment to staying true to himself has paid off in a major way as he continues to break barriers in television.
The Importance of Representation
Zaki’s role in FBI is not just a job for him but a chance to help shape the perception of Arab and Muslim communities in the U.S. He knows that representation matters, particularly in a post-9/11 world where Arab and Muslim individuals have often been misunderstood or misrepresented. Through his portrayal of O.A. Zidan, Zaki has shown that Arab and Muslim characters are capable of being heroes, just like anyone else. In his own words, his goal is to “shift the needle” in a positive direction and challenge harmful stereotypes.
Zaki’s journey isn’t just about one actor’s success. It represents a larger shift in Hollywood towards more inclusive storytelling, where individuals from marginalized communities can play nuanced, powerful roles without being defined solely by their race or religion. Zaki’s portrayal of O.A. is a symbol of what’s possible when actors get the chance to show the full scope of who they are.
Looking to the Future
With FBI now a hit show, Zaki’s role as O.A. Zidan continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate the positive, complex portrayal of a Muslim Arab-American character in a leading role. Zaki’s visibility on a major network not only provides inspiration for young Arab and Muslim viewers but also helps normalize their stories in mainstream media. The actor’s success in the role has led to increasing recognition for him, and the series’ success could pave the way for more diverse characters in future television projects.
Zeeko Zaki’s role on FBI is not just a career milestone; it’s a cultural one. Through his authenticity, talent, and commitment to breaking down barriers, Zaki is paving the way for a new generation of Arab-American actors to see themselves as more than stereotypes and to be celebrated for their stories, talents, and contributions to the arts.
