Somali-born ‘Captain Phillips’ star works in phone shop

HE IS in the running for best supporting actor at the Oscars after impressing with audiences and critics with his astonishing performance in Hollywood film Captain Phillips, but surprisingly Barkad Abdi’s new-found fame has seen him take a job in a phone shop.

The 28-year-old Somali-born actor revealed he has to take the job at his brother’s store after failing to land further acting roles following his star turn opposite Tom Hanks in the movie which charts the story of Somali pirates who storm a giant cargo ship and hold its crew hostage.

Abdi, who was making his film debut, stole the show alongside Hanks, and has been rewarded in the film season with several nominations, and won best supporting actor at the London Film Critics’ Circle Awards last night (Feb 9).

Despite the recognition, Abdi is apparently looking for more film work due to the apparent abundance of roles for Somali-looking actors being thin on the ground.

Speaking to the BBC after winning the accolade last night, Abdi said: “I decided after the movie; I had made up my mind that I wanted to be an actor but there were no jobs for me at the time because I didn’t have any other experience and the film wasn’t out so I decided to work with my brother rather than stay at home.”

However, as the acclaim builds for his performance, circumstances are likely to change for Abdi, who will be hoping to claim the ultimate acting prize on March 2 in Los Angeles.

On the topic of his Oscar nomination, he added: “It was surreal, being nominated. The film already had a lot of talk when it came out, it was received well and we were happy and it was good that people were saying good stuff.

“Then the nomination came and I wasn’t expecting it, it was truly humbling and I was honoured.

“I was watching live, I couldn’t sleep that night thinking about it. My little sister called me and then I called my mum. My sister was just screaming.”

Abdi seems as though he is acclimatising to having film star status as his agent looks for work for him, and the actor, who previously was a chauffeur, said: “You know it’s hard but I’m starting to get used to it now. I love film-making and acting and it’s something that I’m passionate about, so I’m truly glad that it’s an adventure for me.

“I’m still a beginner in this business and I’m just looking for good stories. It’s very exciting and tiring at the same time.”