Hanad Abdi Defies the Odds to Pursue His Hollywood Dreams

Hanad Abdi sat down with Trae Holiday to discuss his journey from basketball to unexpectedly becoming a famous actor. Hanad grew up in Tukwila, Washington, playing competitive basketball. Despite not being the most athletically gifted, Hanad's natural storytelling abilities and charisma caught the attention of his teachers and school counselors, who encouraged him to pursue acting. Although he faced some skepticism from his parents, Abdi remained consistent and an audition opportunity on his 18th birthday convinced them to support his dreams.

Hanad went on to win first place in a prestigious acting competition in Los Angeles, earning representation and the chance to audition for major roles. Hanad's first major breakthrough came when he landed a co-lead role in an HBO pilot produced by a Game of Thrones producer and an Oscar-winning director.

Abdi has been seen in a commercial for James Harden's basketball shoes and a part in the Amazon Prime thriller Run Sweetheart Run, also appeared in the first eight minutes of the 2022 film 1992, starring Tyrese Gibson, Ray Liotta, and Scott Eastwood. In addition, booking a lead role in the Apple TV+ anthology series Little America.

Follow Hanad on Instagram and X @Thereal_hanad