I dont see myself only as a Somali character. I think of myself as an actor, and if the job fits me and I like the story, I will go for it.

- Barkhad Abdi

When you work with a great director, you realise you are far from being a director.

- Barkhad Abdi

The line was originally, ‘Captain Phillips, get a load of me: fancy-free on the seven seas,’ but I ad-libbed.

- Barkhad Abdi

When I was leaving Yemen to come to America, things were tough. My dad had just been laid off, and it was a challenge. When I lived in Yemen, I thoug…

- Barkhad Abdi

I was lucky enough to have parents that took me out from country to country and go to school and learn how to be a better person.

- Barkhad Abdi

It is weird. A lot of people try to ask me political questions. Im not a politician.

- Barkhad Abdi

What I believe will make my acting career successful going forward is hard work. I like to challenge myself. Then it's the people I meet and choosing…

- Barkhad Abdi

I just want to keep acting and better my craft and see how far it goes.

- Barkhad Abdi

I left Somalia when I was seven years old, but I witnessed a whole year in a war.

- Barkhad Abdi