The Financial Troubles Of Barkhad Abdi, And What's Next
Barkhad Abdi might have wowed in 'Captain Phillips' but the recognition is yet to equal financial sucess for the actor.
Barkhad Abdi might have taken home a BAFTA for his role in ‘Captain Phillips’ and earned an Oscar nomination, but it seems the actor has found himself in dire financial straights since his big movie break. So how exactly has an Oscar nominee now found himself broke and where can his career take him next?
Barkhad Abdi after his BAFTA win for 'Captain Phillips'
Barkhad Abdi was born in Somalia and spent the early part of his childhood being raised in Yemen. When he was 14 his family moved to the United States and settled in Minnesota, where the actor has since being living. Before landing the role in ‘Captain Phillips’ opposite Tom Hanks, Barkhad had worked as a limo driver, something which has been much played upon by the media as part of his ‘rags to riches’ story. While Barkhad was working as a limo driver in 2011 he heard of an open casting call happening in Minneapolis for Somalians to star opposite Tom Hanks in a new movie. Despite having no experience Barkhad went for the audition and got the role of Abduwali Muse, the leader of the pirates who would hijack ‘Captain Phillips’ ship. He was originally kept apart from Hanks until the pair had their first scene together to add to their performances. Speaking of the surreal experience of starring alongside Hanks Abdi said his thoughts on their first scene were ‘I can't believe I'm doing a scene with the Forrest Gump guy!”
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