7 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Have Arab Roots

Zoe Saldana

If there’s one thing Arabs love, it’s a celebrity who comes from their country. Whenever “Hips Don’t Lie” comes on the radio, a chorus of Arab parents will proudly say, “She’s Arab, you know!” These are some celebrities you probably didn’t know were Arab.

By Carla Sertin

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1 of 7

Jerry Seinfeld

This famous comedian and creator of Seinfeld has roots in the Middle East. His mother is Syrian and his father emigrated from Turkey.

2 of 7

Steve Jobs

The Apple founder’s biological father was Abdulfattah Jandali, a Syrian Muslim. Jobs’ biological mother, Joanna Schieble, was forced to leave Jandali by her parents, so Steve Jobs was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs.

3 of 7

Alia Shawkat

She was a fan favourite as Maeby Funke on Arrested Development, and continues to star on TV shows. She told Craig Ferguson on his talk show that her father is Iraqi, and immigrated to the US.

4 of 7

Wentworth Miller

Known for his starring role in Prison Break, Wentworth Miller has an interesting background – his father is Jamaican and his mother is Syrian-Lebanese.

5 of 7

Teri Hatcher

This desperate housewife seems all-American, but her background is a little closer to us. Her mother is Syrian.

6 of 7

Vince Vaughn

The Dodgeball star’s paternal grandmother was from Lebanon. But don’t get too excited, his background is a mix of Italy, Switzerland, Holland, England, Germany, Ireland and Scotland. But as far as we’re concerned, he’s Lebanese.

7 of 7

Zoe Saldana

The Avatar actress is part Lebanese. In the past, she has said that she enjoys Lebanese food (who doesn’t?) and is proud of her roots.

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Celebrity

7 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Have Arab Roots

Zoe Saldana

Jerry Seinfeld

Steve Jobs

Alia Shawkat

Wentworth Miller

Teri Hatcher

Vince Vaughn

Zoe Saldana

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