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Waleed Zuaiter

Versatile Palestinian-American Actor, Arab Storyteller.

QUICK FACTS

Date of Birth

1971

Sacramento, California, U.S.

Place of Birth

Why Featured?

His impactful roles, including his BAFTA-nominated performance in "Baghdad Central," his work in the Oscar-nominated film "Omar," and his portrayal of complex characters in Western cinema, have significantly contributed to changing the narrative around Arab characters in global media.

BRIEF BIO
Waleed Zuaiter is an acclaimed actor and producer whose career spans across stage, film, and television. He has earned recognition for his ability to bring authenticity and complexity to the characters he portrays, particularly those that challenge stereotypical depictions of Arab individuals.
LAST UPDATED

DATE

Monday, January 26, 2026

MAJOR MILESTONES
Key dates & turning points
  • Hollywood Roles: Played a significant role in "The Men Who Stare at Goats" alongside George Clooney (Arab News) .

  • BAFTA Nomination: Received a BAFTA nomination for his leading role in "Baghdad Central" in 2021.

  • Role in 'Oslo': Portrayed Hassan Asfour in the HBO film "Oslo," showcasing the Oslo I Accord negotiations.

  • 'Gangs of London': Co-starred as Koba in the second season of "Gangs of London" in 2022, expanding his range into crime drama.

  • 'Omar' - Producer and Actor: Produced and starred in "Omar," contributing to one of the few Palestinian films to be nominated for an Oscar (Daily Actor) .

CONTRIBUTIONS
What they did, and why it matters
  • Broadening Representation: Through his diverse roles, Zuaiter has broadened the representation of Arab characters in Western media.

  • Cultural Dialogue: His work encourages cultural dialogue and understanding, especially through films like "Omar" that bring Palestinian stories to a global audience.

  • Award-Nominated Performances: His performances have been recognized by prestigious institutions, including a BAFTA nomination...See More

  • Producing Impactful Cinema: By producing "Omar," Zuaiter contributed to one of the few Palestinian films nominated for an Oscar...See More

  • Versatile Acting Roles: His roles span from television series like "The Spy" to films like "London Has Fallen," showcasing his versatility as an actor.

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Last updated
Jan 26, 2026

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