Rami Malek Reflects on His Childhood: ‘We Definitely Didn’t Fit In’ – A Personal Story of Identity and Belonging | CNN

Rami Malek has opened up about his life as an Egyptian-American growing up in Southern California. He shared some interesting and challenging experiences from his childhood.

Rami, along with his twin brother Sami and sister Yasmine, grew up in Sherman Oaks during the ’90s. Their parents immigrated to the U.S. from Cairo in 1978, bringing their rich culture with them.

In a recent interview, Malek described feeling different. He said, “I’m what’s called ‘white passing’, but I have very distinctive features, and we definitely didn’t fit in.”

He and Sami became attuned to how others reacted to them. “We just had an uncanny way of sensing people,” he explained.

One vivid memory stands out. Malek recounted being thrown onto the hood of a police car after a robbery nearby. The police were looking for a suspect described as “Latin,” and he happened to fit that description.

Luckily, a friend of his was quick on his feet and clarified, “Actually, sir, he’s Egyptian. Not Latin.” Malek remembered laughing nervously, thinking he might be arrested for something he didn’t do.

He also mentioned that his full name can raise flags during security checks when he travels.

However, with his fame now, those situations have become rare. “There might be a moment. Then they’ll go, ‘Nah, that’s the guy from “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Let him through,’” he said.

Malek gained international recognition for his role as Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” winning an Oscar for Best Actor in 2019. This made him the first actor of Egyptian and Arab heritage to win in that category.

He is also recognized for his work in the series “Mr. Robot” and for playing the villain in the James Bond film “No Time to Die.”

Coming up, Malek will star in a new stage adaptation of the classic tragedy “Oedipus” by Sophocles at London’s Old Vic theatre, starting January 21.