It’s no surprise Hollywood has so many stars of Arab origins. After all, we always say that an Arab can make it anywhere.
While growing up, Arab children were always told that “an Arab will always land on his feet, no matter where you throw him”, and Hollywood is no different. Looking at how many stars have Arab origins, this saying proves to be somewhat true.
Teri Hatcher
This Desperate Housewives star’s mother has Syrian ancestry.
Shakira
The Colombian singer was born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, and is the daughter of a Lebanese father born in New York.
Wentworth Miller
This Prison Break star’s mother has both Lebanese and Syrian ancestry, while his father is African-American.
Salma Hayek
In case her name doesn’t give it away, Hayek was born in Mexico to a Lebanese father.
Jerry Seinfeld
The creator and star of the hit sitcom Seinfeld is the child of a Syrian mother.
Alia Shawkat
Known for her role in Arrested Development, Shawkat’s father is from Baghdad, Iraq.
Paula Abdul
Singer and judge on The X Factor and American Idol, Paula Abdul is the daughter of a Syrian father from Aleppo.
Sammy Hagar
You might not have known this, but the legendary lead singer of Van Halen is actually part Lebanese.
Tiffany
Born Tiffany Darwish, this former teen-star’s father has both Lebanese and Syrian ancestry.
Tony Shalhoub
Famous for his role as Monk and a crooked alien in Men In Black, both of his parents were Lebanese.
Steve Jobs
Although not a Hollywood star, several movies has been made about him. Steve’s biological father is from Syria.
