20 Most Beautiful Muslim Actresses in Hollywood

Muslim actresses are making a significant impact on Hollywood, with both rising stars and established veterans delivering unforgettable performances in movies and TV shows. These talented women bring a wealth of diverse backgrounds, languages, and skills to major studios and critically acclaimed series, building successful careers across various genres and platforms. From big-budget blockbusters and popular streaming shows to independent films, their work is widely seen, and many are dedicated to increasing representation and opportunities within the industry. Here are 20 actresses currently working in Hollywood whose faces you probably recognize.

Sofia Boutella

Sofia Boutella, originally from Algeria, started as a dancer before becoming an actress. She gained recognition for her roles in films like ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ and ‘Star Trek Beyond’. More recently, she starred in Universal’s ‘The Mummy’ with Tom Cruise and took the lead in Zack Snyder’s ‘Rebel Moon’. Known for her dedication to physically demanding roles, Boutella often performs her own intricate stunts and choreography. She’s fluent in both French and English and works on projects in Europe and the United States.

Shohreh Aghdashloo

Shohreh Aghdashloo is a highly acclaimed actress, recognized for her Oscar nomination in ‘House of Sand and Fog’ and her popular role as Chrisjen Avasarala in ‘The Expanse’. She’s appeared in many films, including ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ and ‘The Nativity Story’, and has a strong background in theatre and voice acting, from Shakespearean plays to major video games and animated projects. In addition to her acting work, Aghdashloo is an author and a dedicated activist supporting women’s rights and refugees.

Nazanin Boniadi

Nazanin Boniadi is a versatile actress known for her significant roles in popular TV shows like ‘Homeland’, ‘How I Met Your Mother’, and ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’. She’s appeared in both big-budget thrillers and smaller independent films. Before becoming an actress, she trained as a scientist in a hospital, which helps her bring realism to roles needing technical expertise. Beyond acting, Boniadi is a dedicated human rights advocate, often speaking out about the challenges faced by artists and those who oppose oppressive regimes.

Golshifteh Farahani

Golshifteh Farahani has appeared in several successful Hollywood films, including ‘Body of Lies’, ‘Paterson’, and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’. Her ability to speak multiple languages allows her to work in both American and European films, and she’s also been in popular streaming movies and series. Beyond acting, Farahani is a musician and sometimes creates or performs music for her projects.

Iman Vellani

Iman Vellani first appeared as Kamala Khan in the show ‘Ms. Marvel’ and later returned for ‘The Marvels’. She was still in school when she was chosen for the role, and quickly became a key part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Vellani works to ensure the on-screen portrayal of the character stays true to the comics, and she actively connects with fans at events and through official Marvel content.

May Calamawy

May Calamawy is an actress known for her roles in the popular series ‘Moon Knight’ (as Layla El-Faouly) and ‘Ramy’. She’s also appeared in several independent films and short films that have been shown at festivals around the world, including locations in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Trained as an actress in the United States, Calamawy is fluent in both English and Arabic and has often spoken about her desire to share stories from her region with a wider, international audience.

Dina Shihabi

Dina Shihabi is an actress known for her roles in popular shows like ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ and ‘Altered Carbon,’ as well as the horror series ‘Archive 81.’ After being raised in the Middle East, she trained at some of the best performing arts schools in the US. She frequently portrays characters who speak multiple languages and is skilled in both motion capture and various genres. Shihabi also enjoys working with filmmakers to tell stories about the experiences of people living outside their homeland.

Yasmine Al Massri

Yasmine Al Massri is best known for her role in ‘Quantico,’ where she played twin sisters who each had their own unique way of speaking and behaving. Before becoming an actress, she trained as a dancer and created visual art. Because she’s fluent in Arabic, French, and English, she has a wide variety of roles she can play. She’s also passionate about helping young performers through arts education programs.

Lyna Khoudri

Lyna Khoudri has acted in Wes Anderson’s ‘The French Dispatch’ and successfully works on films both in Europe and in English. She first gained attention at film festivals, which helped her land roles in international productions. To convincingly portray different characters, she frequently works with dialect coaches to master various accents. Khoudri takes on a diverse range of roles, appearing in both historical dramas and modern stories.

Zuleikha Robinson

Zuleikha Robinson is an actress known for her roles in popular TV shows like ‘Lost’, ‘Homeland’, and ‘The Exorcist’. A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she often appears in thrillers, horror projects, and dramas focused on compelling characters. She’s also worked on both big-budget and independent films, and frequently plays characters such as detectives, reporters, and protagonists with complicated motivations.

Noureen DeWulf

Noureen DeWulf is an actress known for her roles in shows like ‘Anger Management’ with Charlie Sheen, and comedies such as ‘Ghosts of Girlfriends Past’. She frequently appears in sitcoms, romantic comedies, and movies with large casts. Her background in improvisation helps her perform well in live, multi-camera settings. Beyond acting, she also works in sports and lifestyle programming and has hosted entertainment news segments.

Azita Ghanizada

Azita Ghanizada is an actress with appearances in shows like ‘Alphas’ and ‘Ballers,’ and has been a regular on many network TV series. Beyond acting, she’s a passionate advocate for greater inclusion of Middle Eastern and North African artists, having founded an organization dedicated to this goal. She also works as a consultant, helping to ensure characters and casting choices are authentic and representative, and frequently speaks at industry events about improving representation in media.

Sheila Vand

Sheila Vand is an actress known for her roles in the film ‘Argo’ and the acclaimed independent movie ‘A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night’. She’s a seasoned stage performer who works on a wide range of projects, from artistic experiments to popular productions. Vand often incorporates ideas from visual art into her work with directors and cinematographers, and she’s also appeared in several well-regarded television dramas and genre series.

Mozhan Navabi

I’ve been following Mozhan Navabi’s work for a while now, and she’s quickly become someone to watch. You might recognize her from roles in shows like ‘House of Cards’ and ‘The Blacklist,’ but she’s much more than just an actress. She’s a true multi-hyphenate – directing and writing as well. Her background is seriously impressive, honed by training at some of the best theater programs around, and she’s fluent in multiple languages, which clearly informs her work. I’ve noticed her films tend to lean towards gripping political thrillers and really intimate character studies. She’s already made a splash with short films at major festivals, and I’m excited to see what she does with the feature scripts she’s been developing – she’s definitely one to keep an eye on.

Zar Amir Ebrahimi

Zahra Amir Ebrahimi is an internationally recognized actress, celebrated for her role in ‘Holy Spider’. She’s currently working on films across Europe and the United States, and also takes on roles as a producer and developer. Beyond acting, she supports up-and-coming and exiled filmmakers through film labs, and frequently mentors creators who are sharing Persian stories with the world.

Sibel Kekilli

Sibel Kekilli is an internationally recognized actress, best known for her role as Shae in ‘Game of Thrones’. She initially gained attention for her work in a critically acclaimed European film and has since appeared in both crime dramas and historical shows. Kekilli often works with directors who focus on realistic characters and natural-sounding conversations.

Leem Lubany

Leem Lubany started her acting career in Hollywood with a role in ‘Rock the Kasbah’ and went on to star in the series ‘Condor’. She’s fluent in both English and Arabic and has worked on everything from small independent films to big studio productions. Lubany frequently prepares for physically demanding scenes and learns how to safely handle firearms for her roles, particularly when playing spies. She consistently lands new projects on various streaming services.

Hiam Abbass

Hiam Abbass is a versatile actress known for her roles in projects like ‘Succession,’ ‘Blade Runner 2049,’ and ‘Munich.’ Beyond acting, she’s a director of short films and provides cultural guidance on productions. She often portrays strong women, such as family heads or those in positions of power in business or politics, and works comfortably across film industries in Hollywood, Europe, and the Middle East.

Yasmine Al-Bustami

Yasmine Al-Bustami is an actress known for her roles on shows like ‘NCIS: Hawaiʻi,’ ‘The Originals,’ and ‘S.W.A.T.’ She’s trained in the US and takes on diverse roles, from realistic crime dramas to fantastical stories. Yasmine is comfortable working on fast-paced TV productions and filming on location. She also enjoys connecting with fans at events and sharing glimpses of her work behind the scenes.

Nimra Bucha

Nimra Bucha gained wider recognition thanks to her appearances in ‘Ms. Marvel’ and ‘Polite Society’. She began her career in theater and television before moving into streaming shows. Bucha frequently works with South Asian and British filmmakers, often combining different genres in her projects. She’s known for playing characters who are either guides, rivals, or people in positions of power, all within contemporary stories.

Let us know your top picks from this list, and tell us in the comments which performances you think are underrated or deserve more attention.

2025-11-08 18:46