Whether you’re a fan of Hollywood or not- it’s hard to ignore the vast array of talent in the industry. Moreover, it’s clear to see that the diverse background of actors and actresses particularly adds to their charisma.
None more so than the Arabic speaking actors who have established themselves in the industry. From Salma Hayek (the actress come American and Arabic voiceover artist) to Rami Malek, there is an abundance of Arabic talent!
However, you would be mistaken in thinking that this is a relatively new breakthrough. Some of the most iconic films of the century have been filmed using Arabic actors. For example, the age-old epic of Lawrence of Arabia was filmed over 50 years ago! Although the lead role was played by Peter O’Toole, Arabic speaking Omar Sharif earned his reputation in the accompanying role of Sherif Ali. So much so, that he was later cast to play the lead role of Yuri in the hit Golden Globe and Oscar-winning 1966 film Dr Zhivago.
Omar Sharif’s success in acting, however, was only the beginning of this trend. Since Sharif’s time, many other Arabic actors seem to have followed suit and equally tried to earn their place among Hollywood stars.
Salma Hayek, for example, proves that the mystique of Arabic actors is very popular amongst both animators and directors alike. As well as starring in hit Hollywood films such as Grown Ups, the actress has also proved her credentials as an Arabic voiceover artist. Although Hayek is Mexican born, she is proud of her Arabic lineage, which perhaps only adds to her aura as an actress and voiceover artist. However, Hayek is perhaps most well known for her American but oh so very Arabic voiceover as Kitty Softpaws in Puss in Boots.
Arguably, however, Salma Hayek is old news compared with some of the new up and coming Arabic actors in Hollywood.
Academy Award winner Rami Malek, for example, is a born and bred American, who also benefits from a strong Arabic- Egyptian Heritage. The intriguing TV star turned Hollywood actor has played numerous noteworthy roles, including that of Freddie Mercury in the 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody which he won his Oscar for, and the role of Elliot Anderson in hit TV show Mr Robot. Moreover, fans of Malek may be un-surprised to learn that this multi-talented actor is in fact an American voiceover artist! Malek’s credentials further extend to include voicing the role of Tahno in the 2014 video game- The Legend of Korra, as well as providing the voice of Joshua in the 2015 video game, Until Dawn.
Rami Malek will also be on our screens in 2020, as the main villain in the upcoming James Bond movie, No Time To Die.
Clearly, the Arabic speaking world has lent a lot of its talent to both Hollywood and the gaming world alike. However, it is important to note that the Arabic speaking world has likewise invested in localisation and produced its own fair share of Arabic productions, particularly in the field of animation. With the rising popularity of social media and an increase in the number of innovative animation setups in the Arab World- it is only natural that the popularity of Arabic voiceover will likewise rise. More so as many Arabic countries seem to have established themselves as some of fastest-growing economies in the East.
Needless to say- business opportunities seem fruitful- but to fully take advantage of the growing markets in these areas- localisation through dubbing and professional voiceover is a must!
So if you too would be interested in entering these growing markets, either as a filmmaker or businessman alike- contact Voice Talent Online to see how we can help make your transition easier!
Originally posted on January 24, 2020 @ 4:05 am