Barkhad Abdi Biography (2025): Height, Weight, Age, Net Worth, Wiki & Facts in 2025

Barkhad Abdi is a Somali-American actor and filmmaker best known for his Academy Award-nominated performance in the film Captain Phillips. Rising from humble beginnings in Somalia to international acclaim in Hollywood, Abdi’s journey is a testament to talent, perseverance, and the power of storytelling. His compelling performances and personal story have made him a notable figure in the entertainment industry, inspiring audiences worldwide.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Barkhad Abdi
Profession / Occupation	Actor, Director, Producer
Birth Date	April 10, 1985
Age	39 (as of 2025)
Birth Place	Mogadishu, Somalia
Nationality	Somali-American
Famous For	Role as Abduwali Muse in Captain Phillips
Known For	Academy Award Nominee, Captain Phillips, Eye in the Sky
Ethnicity	Somali
Zodiac Sign	Aries
Height & Weight	5 ft 10 in (178 cm), 72 kg (159 lbs)
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Brown
Education	Minnesota State University Moorhead
Religion	Islam
Marital Status / Spouse	Married (Spouse’s name private)
Children	Information not publicly available
Relatives	Private
Hobbies	Filmmaking, Soccer, Community Work
Employer / Organization	Independent / Various Film Studios
Years Active	2013–present
Net Worth (Estimated)	$2 Million (2025)

Early Life & Education

Barkhad Abdi was born on April 10, 1985, in Mogadishu, Somalia. Due to the outbreak of civil war, his family fled Somalia when he was just seven years old, seeking refuge in Yemen before eventually settling in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Growing up in a Somali-American community, Abdi attended Roosevelt High School and later studied at Minnesota State University Moorhead. His early interests included technology, soccer, and participating in local community events, but he had no formal training in acting during his youth.

Career Journey

Barkhad Abdi’s career in the entertainment industry began in an unexpected way. Before acting, he worked as a limousine driver and a mobile phone salesman in Minneapolis. His life changed dramatically when he auditioned for the role of Abduwali Muse in the 2013 film Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks. Despite having no prior acting experience, Abdi’s authentic and gripping performance earned him worldwide recognition.

Breakthrough with Captain Phillips

Abdi’s portrayal of the Somali pirate leader in Captain Phillips was met with critical acclaim. The role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, as well as a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor and nominations from the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild.

Continued Success

Following his breakout role, Abdi appeared in several notable films, including Eye in the Sky (2015) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017). He also ventured into directing and producing, working on projects that highlight Somali and African stories. Abdi remains active in both Hollywood and international cinema, continuing to challenge stereotypes and broaden representation on screen.

Personal Life

Barkhad Abdi is known for maintaining a private personal life. He is married, though he keeps details about his spouse and family out of the public eye. Abdi is an active member of the Somali-American community, often participating in cultural events and supporting initiatives for refugees and immigrants. In his free time, he enjoys soccer, traveling, and working on independent film projects.

Awards & Achievements

Academy Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actor – Captain Phillips (2014)
BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor – Captain Phillips (2014)
London Film Critics’ Circle Award – Best Supporting Actor (2014)
Screen Actors Guild Award Nominee (2014)
Golden Globe Award Nominee (2014)
Numerous humanitarian and community recognition awards

Physical Statistics

Height	5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight	72 kg (159 lbs)
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Brown
Body Type	Slender
Distinctive Features	Sharp facial features, expressive eyes

Quotes

“I never thought in my wildest dreams I would end up in Hollywood.”
“Your background should not limit your dreams; it should inspire them.”
“Storytelling is a powerful way to connect cultures and change perceptions.”

Controversies

Barkhad Abdi has largely avoided major controversies throughout his career. He has occasionally spoken out about the challenges faced by refugees and the importance of diversity in Hollywood, but he is widely respected for his professionalism and advocacy work.

Favorites

Favorite Actor: Denzel Washington
Favorite Movie: Training Day
Favorite Food: Somali cuisine, especially canjeero and suqaar
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Favorite Travel Destination: Kenya

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2025, Barkhad Abdi’s estimated net worth is around $2 million. His income comes primarily from acting roles in films and television, as well as from directing and producing projects. While his salary for Captain Phillips was reported to be modest compared to Hollywood standards, subsequent roles and endorsements have significantly increased his earnings. Industry benchmarks suggest that supporting actors in major films can earn between $100,000 to $500,000 per project, with additional income from residuals and appearances.

Interesting Facts

Abdi had never acted professionally before Captain Phillips.
He is fluent in Somali, Arabic, and English.
He once worked as a limousine driver in Minneapolis.
Abdi is passionate about telling authentic African stories through film.
He is actively involved in supporting refugee and immigrant communities.

Social Media Links

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barkhad Abdi’s most famous role?: He is best known for playing Abduwali Muse in the film Captain Phillips.
How tall is Barkhad Abdi?: Barkhad Abdi stands at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.
Where was Barkhad Abdi born?: He was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, and later moved to the United States.
Is Barkhad Abdi married?: Yes, he is married, but he keeps details about his spouse private.
What is Barkhad Abdi’s net worth?: His estimated net worth is $2 million as of 2025.
Does Barkhad Abdi have any children?: He has not publicly shared information about his children.

Conclusion

Barkhad Abdi’s journey from Somalia to Hollywood is a remarkable story of resilience and achievement. His dedication to his craft and his advocacy for underrepresented communities have earned him respect both on and off the screen. If you found this biography insightful, please share it with others who may be inspired by Barkhad Abdi’s life and career.