White Actors Who Converted to Islam

Throughout the years, many performers with European roots have converted to Islam for various reasons, including marriage, a personal search for meaning, or meaningful experiences with Muslim cultures. Some kept their conversions private, while others openly shared their journeys through interviews, writings, and public appearances. These actors have worked in a wide range of productions, from classic Hollywood films and European art house movies to Turkish television and British historical dramas. Their stories collectively illustrate how career opportunities, travel, and personal relationships can inspire significant shifts in one’s beliefs and lifestyle.

Omar Sharif

Born Michel Chalhoub in Alexandria to a Greek Catholic family, Omar Sharif began his acting career in Egyptian films under his original name. He converted to Islam in 1955 and took the name Omar Sharif when he married actress Faten Hamama. After becoming a star in Egypt, he transitioned to international films, achieving global fame with roles in movies like ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962) and ‘Doctor Zhivago’ (1965). Throughout his career and life in both Egypt and Europe, he remained a public figure associated with Islam.

Ellen Burstyn

Born Edna Rae Gillooly in Michigan, Ellen Burstyn grew up Catholic but began to explore different beliefs as an actress. In her mid-thirties, while still working in film and theater, she discovered Sufi teachings and embraced Islamic spiritual practices. She considers Sufism a core part of her personal life, while also incorporating elements from other spiritual traditions. Throughout her career, which includes award-winning performances in films like ‘The Exorcist’ (1973) and ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’ (1974), she has continued to practice Sufism.

Sean Stone

Sean Stone, whose father is filmmaker Oliver Stone, started his career acting in his father’s movies. He later transitioned to documentaries and television. In 2012, while visiting Iran, Stone publicly announced his conversion to Islam, specifically the Shia branch, and adopted the name Ali Reza. At the time, he explained his decision as an affirmation of one God and respect for all prophets from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, not as a dismissal of his previous beliefs. Since then, he’s continued working in media, frequently sharing his religious views and experiences in Muslim-majority countries through appearances on various channels and at events.

Myriam François

Myriam François, previously known as Myriam François Cerrah, began her career as a child actress, appearing in films like ‘Sense and Sensibility’ (1995), ‘Paws’ (1997), and ‘New Years Day’ (2001). While studying at the University of Cambridge, she became interested in Islam through reading religious texts and interacting with Muslim students, eventually converting in 2003 at age twenty-one. Following her conversion, she transitioned to journalism and documentary filmmaking, focusing on topics such as Muslim communities, racism, and social issues in Britain and Europe. She is known for using the name Myriam in connection with her faith and has created documentaries for various major broadcasters both in the UK and internationally.

Wilma Elles

Wilma Elles is a German actress who gained popularity in Turkey for her role as Caroline in the TV series ‘Time Goes By’ (‘Öyle Bir Geçer Zaman ki’) and other Turkish shows. News reports indicate that while living in Istanbul, she studied Islamic theology, married a Turkish businessman, and converted to Islam, incorporating the faith into her family life. She’s often mentioned in articles about European women who have converted to Islam, and has spoken about feeling a strong connection to Islamic culture. Elles continues to act in Turkish and international films and television, remaining connected to audiences in both Germany and Turkey.

Lewis Arquette

Lewis Arquette was a working actor known for roles in shows like ‘The Waltons’ and films such as ‘The Great Outdoors’. Born and raised Catholic in Chicago, he later converted to Islam after marrying Brenda Olivia Nowak, who was Jewish and whose parents were Holocaust survivors. The family lived for a period in a spiritual community in Virginia called Subud, which influenced how their five children were raised. Due to his religious conversion, Arquette is often mentioned as a prominent figure who changed faiths, highlighting shifts in religious identity among well-known people.

Donny Roelvink

As a real cinema and people-watching enthusiast, I’ve been following Donny Roelvink’s journey – he’s a Dutch personality who originally became well-known through reality TV and fitness content. Recently, he made a really significant change in his life and publicly converted to Islam. It was a beautiful moment, filmed as he recited the shahada in a mosque and shared widely online. What struck me was reading how this decision wasn’t sudden; he spent Ramadan in the UAE, visiting mosques and really thinking about his life, especially after facing some tough times – a serious accident during a photoshoot and his battle with testicular cancer. He’s said himself he’s still learning about the faith, but it feels like a genuine step towards a more spiritual path, and I respect that a lot.

Marcell Darwin

Marcell Darwin is an Indonesian actor with Indonesian and German heritage, known for his work in films, TV shows, and appearances in entertainment news. He was raised Christian but converted to Islam in late 2019, formally accepting the faith at the home of his then-fiancée, Nabila Faisal, before their marriage in early 2020. Since becoming a Muslim, Marcell has been learning the basics of the faith – including prayer and ritual washing – often with help from Nabila and local religious leaders. Indonesian media often highlight his continued involvement in religious study groups, his dedication to teaching his child about Islam, and his strong relationships with family members who still practice Christianity.

Sergey Romanovich

Sergey Romanovich is a Russian actor originally from Tomsk. He first gained recognition for portraying singer Yuri Shatunov in the film ‘Tender May’ and went on to appear in popular shows like ‘Kitchen’ and ‘Chernobyl Exclusion Zone’. Around the age of twenty, he converted to Islam and has since dedicated himself to the faith, studying Arabic and spending time in cities like Medina and Istanbul. This commitment led him to decline acting roles that conflicted with his beliefs, resulting in periods of less work while he pursued interests like blogging, sports, and personal growth. Recently, Romanovich has returned to acting after a several-year break, and continues to publicly identify as a practicing Muslim who considers his faith when making career decisions.

Alexander

Alexander is a Bosnian actor who was raised in a non-religious, communist household in what was once Yugoslavia. He stayed in Bosnia after the country dissolved and now works in film and theatre in Sarajevo. He publicly shared that he became a Muslim after years of questioning his beliefs and building relationships with Muslim friends and coworkers. He has described how close calls during the Bosnian War led him to think deeply about life and death, and how Islam offered him a sense of purpose. He’s since made the pilgrimage to Mecca, where he was struck by the diversity and unity of the pilgrims, and several of his siblings have also converted to Islam, all while continuing to live and work in Bosnia.

2025-11-17 13:16