Rami Malek Bio
Rami Said Malek (born May 12, 1981) is an American Egyptian actor known for his captivating performances and diverse roles throughout his career. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned him numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Actor. Malek’s career breakthrough began with the lead role of Elliot Alderson in the critically acclaimed series Mr. Robot, where he showcased his exceptional talent and depth as an actor. With a background in theater, he has continued to carve out a significant place for himself in Hollywood.
Early Life and Background
Rami Malek was born in Torrance, California, to Egyptian immigrant parents Nelly Abdel-Malek and Said Malek. His family moved to the United States from Cairo in 1978, and they settled in Sherman Oaks, California. Growing up in a Coptic Orthodox Christian household, Malek spoke Egyptian Arabic at home until he was four years old. He has an identical twin brother named Sami and an older sister, Jasmine, who is an ER doctor. His parents emphasized the importance of preserving their Egyptian roots, which influenced Malek’s identity and connection to his heritage. Malek attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, where he began to explore his passion for acting. He participated in the school’s drama department, which helped him gain confidence and discover his talent. After graduating in 1999, he pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater at the University of Evansville in Indiana.
Path to Hollywood
After completing his education, Rami Malek moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. He initially struggled to find work and took on various jobs to make ends meet. His big break came when he was cast in the television series Gilmore Girls in 2004. This led to more opportunities, including a recurring role in the Fox comedy series The War at Home and his feature film debut in Night at the Museum in 2006. Malek’s early career included supporting roles in various films and television shows, but it was his portrayal of Elliot Alderson in Mr. Robot that truly launched him into the spotlight.
Rami Malek Career
Early Career (2004–2009)
Rami Malek’s career began with small roles in television and theater. His first notable work was in the sitcom Gilmore Girls, followed by a role in the war drama Over There. In 2006, he made his feature film debut in Night at the Museum, where he played Pharaoh Ahkmenrah. Malek reprised this role in the sequels, which helped establish him as a recognizable face in Hollywood. He also received his Screen Actors Guild card for his work in the series Over There.
Breakthrough (2015–2019)
Malek’s breakthrough role came in 2015 when he was cast as Elliot Alderson in the USA Network series Mr. Robot. The show received critical acclaim, and Malek’s performance earned him numerous awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2016. His portrayal of the troubled hacker resonated with audiences and critics alike, establishing him as a leading actor in the industry. In 2018, Malek starred as Freddie Mercury in the biographical film Bohemian Rhapsody. His performance was met with widespread acclaim, earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the first actor of Egyptian heritage to win in that category.
Notable Works and Milestones
Rami Malek’s signature work includes his role in Bohemian Rhapsody, which grossed over $900 million worldwide. He has also starred in the critically acclaimed series Mr. Robot and received multiple awards for his performances.
Rami Malek Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Rami Malek has received numerous nominations for his work in film and television. His role in Mr. Robot earned him several nominations, including Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations.
Rami Malek Awards Won
Rami Malek has won several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Bohemian Rhapsody, the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama, and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Mr. Robot.
Rami Malek Family
Rami Malek was born to Nelly Abdel-Malek and Said Malek. He has an identical twin brother, Sami, and an older sister, Jasmine.
Personal Life
Rami Malek has been in a relationship with actress Lucy Boynton from 2017 to 2023 and is currently in a relationship with actor Emma Corrin from 2023 to 2025. He tends to keep his personal life private and has mentioned his desire to maintain a level of anonymity in his life outside of acting.
