Embark on a fascinating journey to discover the unexpected arab lineage of renowned celebrities!
Steve Jobs
Abdulfattah John Jandali, the biological father of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, hailed from Syria, adding an intriguing Middle Eastern connection to the remarkable story of one of the most influential figures in technology history. Jandali’s Syrian heritage underscores the diverse and global influences that played a role in shaping the legacy of Steve Jobs and the groundbreaking innovations of Apple.
Gigi Hadid
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Image Credit: Shutterstock Gigi Hadid, renowned for her exceptional modeling career, has not only achieved great success but has also helped raise the profile of Arab Americans globally, emerging as one of the highest-paid models in the industry. Moreover, Gigi has fearlessly used her influential platform to voice her support against notable events such as Trump’s Muslim Ban and Israel’s 2014 assault on Gaza, demonstrating her dedication to raising awareness and advocating for important causes.
Jade Thirlwall
Image Credit: Wirestock via DepositPhotos.com Jade Thirlwall, a singer and songwriter who rose to fame through her involvement in the popular girl group Little Mix, carries Yemeni and Egyptian heritage from her mother’s side. In her earlier years, Jade openly shared her struggles with embracing her Middle Eastern roots. In an interview with BBC UK, she expressed her journey of self-identification, stating, “I’d identify myself as mixed-race; if I delved deeper, I’d say of Arab heritage, I guess. I’ve had an inner battle of not knowing where I fit in or what larger community I fit into.” However, Jade is now actively seeking to reconcile with her Arab heritage and proudly embrace it, demonstrating her personal growth and evolving sense of cultural identity.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Image Credit: Shutterstock The popular actor and former professional wrestler, Dwayne Johnson, has Samoan and African-American ancestry but also has Arab American roots through his father, who is of Black Nova Scotian and Lebanese descent.
Bella Hadid
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Image Credit: Shutterstock Bella Hadid, the equally accomplished and renowned model, stands alongside her sister Gigi Hadid as a prominent Arab American figure. Their Palestinian roots can be traced through their father, Mohamed Hadid, adding a significant cultural dimension to their success. With their striking beauty and undeniable talent, the Hadid sisters have not only made a name for themselves in the fashion industry but have also brought recognition and pride to their Arab American heritage.
Vince Vaughn
Image Credit: Shutterstock Vince Vaughn, the renowned American actor and filmmaker recognized for his roles in films like Wedding Crashers and The Break-Up, carries Lebanese ancestry through his paternal grandmother. While Vaughn may not frequently discuss his roots publicly, it is important to acknowledge and remember his Arab heritage.
Ariana Grande
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Image Credit: Shutterstock The celebrated singer, renowned for chart-topping hits like ‘thank u, next,’ embarked on a personal journey of self-discovery when she discovered her Algerian and Moroccan roots through a DNA test in 2014. Taking to Twitter, she shared her surprise, revealing, “just found out my grandparents are heavily Greek and part North African… I thought I was Italian… who am I? My whole life is a lie.”
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Salma Hayek
The talented actress, who hails from Mexican and Lebanese backgrounds, has made a significant impact through her outstanding performances in films like Fools Rush In, Frida, and Wild Wild West. With a career spanning since 1989, she has consistently showcased her acting prowess and captivated audiences. Beyond her achievements on the screen, she has also become an advocate for various causes, including refugees, victims of domestic abuse, and immigrant rights. Her dedication to using her platform for social activism adds another layer of inspiration to her multifaceted career, making her a role model for many.
Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld, the beloved American stand-up comedian, actor, and filmmaker, has a fascinating Syrian connection through his maternal lineage. His mother’s Syrian descent adds a unique cultural dimension to Seinfeld’s identity. While widely recognized for his iconic sitcom “Seinfeld” and his enduring influence on comedy, it’s intriguing to note the Syrian roots that contribute to his heritage.
Shannon Elizabeth
The talented actress, widely recognized for her memorable performances in ‘American Pie’ (1999) and ‘Scary Movie’ (2000), boasts a rich heritage stemming from her father’s Syrian and Lebanese roots.
Wentworth Miller
The versatile star known for his role in Prison Break boasts a rich and diverse heritage. With his father’s background encompassing African-American, Jamaican, German, and English ancestry, and his mother’s lineage comprising Russian, Dutch, French, Syrian, and Lebanese roots, he has a multifaceted cultural background. Despite having a small amount of Arab heritage, he maintains a connection to the Arab community, highlighting the inclusivity and diversity within his identity. T
Shakira
Shakira, the renowned singer of the hit song ‘Waka Waka,’ embraces her dual heritage as she proudly represents her Lebanese and Colombian roots. With her father’s Lebanese background, Shakira consistently celebrates her Arab heritage through various means, including her distinctive zaghrouta tongue roll, captivating belly dancing, and even through her Arabic song ‘Ojos Asi’ (Eyes Like Those)
Jenna Dewan
With Lebanese ancestry tracing back to her father’s side, the talented American actress and dancer, Jenna Dewan, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Recognized for her standout performance in the 2006 film ‘Step Up,’ Dewan’s impressive career also includes notable work as a backup dancer for renowned artists like Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Missy Elliott, showcasing her exceptional talent and versatility.
Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul, widely recognized as a versatile artist in the entertainment world, has a rich heritage rooted in her father’s Syrian Jewish background. Known for her talents as a singer, choreographer, and TV personality, Abdul has left an indelible mark on popular shows such as ‘American Idol,’ ‘The X Factor,’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’ Her diverse cultural background further adds to the depth and breadth of her contributions to the industry, solidifying her status as a multi-talented and influential figure in the world of entertainment.
Zoe Saldana
Zoe Saldana, an accomplished dancer and actress, has garnered widespread recognition for her roles in blockbuster films such as Avatar, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, making her the second highest-grossing film actress of all time in 2019. Proudly embracing her Lebanese heritage from her paternal side, Saldana wears her cultural roots with pride, evident in her Arabic tattoo that reportedly reads, “I want to ask her” (أريد أن أسألها). Her representation and success in the entertainment industry serve as a source of pride for the Arab community, inspiring a sense of cultural identity and celebration.
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