In the high-intensity world of the FBI franchise, Zeeko Zaki has become a symbol of resilience and authenticity. Playing Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan, Zaki has navigated the transition from being an ethnically typecast actor to becoming a leading man on one of the biggest procedural dramas on television.
As the series powers through its 2026 season, Zaki’s approach to fame, rumors, and his own physical evolution offers a rare look at an actor staying grounded in a high-octane environment.
1. Navigating Fame with a “Day-Job” Mentality
Zeeko Zaki often treats his role as a “9-to-5,” a mindset he developed after spending time with real-life FBI agents. He noticed that despite the high-stakes nature of their work, they maintain a “bubbly, laughing” demeanor to separate their personal lives from the weight of the job.
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Staying Grounded: Zaki credits his co-star, Missy Peregrym, for keeping him level-headed. As he stepped into his first lead role, she served as a mentor, helping him manage the pressure of leading a Dick Wolf production.
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A “Yes” Mentality: Early in his career, Zaki was down to his last $300 before booking FBI. This period of struggle instilled a philosophy of “saying yes to everything,” which he maintains today to stay humble and driven.
2. Managing Rumors and the “Shipper” Frenzy
Perhaps the most persistent rumor Zaki navigates is the potential romance between OA and Maggie Bell. Despite intense “shipping” from the fanbase, Zaki has been a vocal advocate for preserving their platonic partnership.
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The “Partners-Only” Pact: Zaki believes the strength of the show lies in a deep, non-romantic bond. “They are each other’s rocks, each other’s ride or die,” he shared.5 By keeping the relationship platonic, the show offers a rare representation of a soul-deep friendship between a man and a woman that doesn’t rely on romantic tension.
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Privacy First: On social media, Zaki maintains a professional yet warm presence (found at @zeekozaki on Instagram), focusing on behind-the-scenes content and his work with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) rather than engaging with gossip.
3. High-Octane Action and Stunt Realism
The 2026 season of FBI has been described as the “most action-packed” yet. For Zaki, this means a rigorous physical schedule that involves more than just looking the part.
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Physical Evolution: Zaki famously lost 120 pounds before landing his role on FBI. To maintain his “OA” physique, he is often up by 3:00 AM to hit the gym before a long day of filming.
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The “No Safety Net” Challenge: In recent standout episodes, such as the Season 7 hijacked train arc, Zaki’s character was forced to operate without a badge or gun. Zaki noted that filming in cramped, “plus-sized” train sets for 14 hours a day made the action feel “trippy and all the more real,” pushing his physical performance to its limit.
Zeeko Zaki’s Career at a Glance
| Factor | Zeeko Zaki’s Approach |
| Representation | Changing the narrative for Arab-American actors by playing a hero. |
| Stunt Work | Prefers high-intensity, “unarmed” combat scenarios to keep scenes fresh. |
| Co-star Bond | Views Missy Peregrym as a “soulmate” partner in leadership. |
| Motivation | Remembers the “struggle days” to stay appreciative of current success. |
What’s Next for Zaki?
With the 2025/2026 season seeing the cancellation of FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, Zaki has expressed a bit of sadness but remains focused on the flagship’s growth.9 He is particularly excited about the introduction of new agents and the professional shake-ups that keep the “Three Musketeers” dynamic of the JOC on its toes.
