Barkhad Abdi Quotes & Sayings

“I used to play football all the time. In the U.S., people don't play football, so I had to learn basketball. Looking back, that's what I like about my life - doing new things, having a new perspective.”

“When I was leaving Yemen to come to America, things were tough. My dad had just been laid off, and it was a challenge. When I lived in Yemen, I thought America was a perfect place. Everything was bigger and better. I dreamed big. The American dream, you know? You have to work hard for your dream to come true.”

“I don't see myself only as a Somali character. I think of myself as an actor, and if the job fits me and I like the story, I will go for it.”

“I like 'The Usual Suspects'. Great film. I also like 'Scarface', films like that. Lots of gangster films. I really like watching all kinds of films, dramas, romance. I'll watch comedies. I like Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Denzel Washington, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle. I'd like to meet them.”

“I was lucky enough to have parents that took me out from country to country and go to school and learn how to be a better person.”

“It is weird. A lot of people try to ask me political questions. I'm not a politician.”

“When you work with a great director, you realise you are far from being a director.”

“I was never interested in becoming an actor. I was directing videos. I was never into acting. I was into shooting music videos. I've only ever been behind the camera. Never in front of it.”

“I just want to keep acting and better my craft and see how far it goes.”

“I left Somalia when I was seven years old, but I witnessed a whole year in a war.”