British Yemeni actor and voice over artist Sami Karim was born in Aden, Yemen to Nigma and Mohamed Ismail Abdul Karim Al-Gailani. Sami's initial exposure to the world of film and television was through his father, a background artist during the 80's. At the age of 11, he accompanied his father to the set of '1984' shooting in Battersea Power Station, where he saw his father in scenes from '1984', James Bond 'The Spy who loved me' and British cult TV show Minder.
Sami's first taste of drama was at Lampton Secondary School in Hounslow. A mathematics graduate from the University of East Anglia, Sami did not attend a conventional drama school but instead spent years attending acting classes, casting workshops, and honing his craft on set and on location. He spent years building and learning his craft alongside more experienced and established actors. Every shoot and every day on set was like a masterclass in acting.
Sami trained at The Actors Studio in Pinewood Studios and credits Tim Kent for first spotting his innate talent and giving him the confidence to train seriously as an actor. On Eva Pope's advice, he studied with her and Bryan Oliver in the Meisner Technique at the Actors Gateway in London.
Sami is a versatile actor, capable of performing in many languages. He is fluent in English, Arabic, Polish, and Hindi. He has worked with the best Polish film production, cast, and crews. Sharing screen time with some of the biggest actors in Poland, his credits on Polish television include roles in the NETFLIX Sony series Ultraviolet, HBO series Wataha, and NETFLIX Feature Film Kobiety Mafii 2, directed by Patryk Vega.
Sami also starred in the Emmy-nominated HULU TV Series The Looming Tower, which won The Satellite Award for Best Miniseries. He played real-life Saudi Secret Agent Omar Bayoumi and was fortunate to work with Primetime Emmy award nominee Director Craig Zisk, Michael Slovis, and Ali Selim.
Sami can also be seen in the romantic Spy thriller feature film Blackbird, directed by Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley. Shot entirely on location in Barbados, it's Casino Royal meets Casablanca. Sami shared screen time with one of his all-time favorite actors, Hollywood heavyweight legend Eric Roberts. Blackbird had its first screening at the Monaco film festival in July 2021, where it won Best Film and Michael Flatley won Best Actor.
Sami also appears in the multi-award-winning Spy Thriller 'Legacy Of Lies' on screen opposite martial arts action superstar Scott Adkins, written and directed by Adrian Bol.
Sami can also be seen in the long-awaited Epic blockbuster feature film The Lady of Heaven. Which won the Best Visual Effects Award from the I Success International Awards presented by Superfilm Studios in co-production with Forbes France at the 2021 Cannes film festival. Sami takes on the historical mighty role of the legendary Khalid ibn al-Walid, Military Commander of the Pagan Army. He was also a Stuntman as part of the Cohort Stunt team performing the roles of Pagan and Muslim fighters during the battle scenes. Where he worked alongside The Georgian Stunt Team and the renowned Kazakhstan Nomad Stunts who recently won the prestigious US Taurus World Stunt Awards 2021 for best action in a foreign film.
Sami is an Emcee Ring and Cage Fight Announcer. As well as being a gifted linguist, he is also an accomplished physical actor performing his own stunts and working as a Stunt Coordinator on many projects.
Sami trains regularly in Mixed Martial Arts and is always in peak physical condition. He is a highly qualified Personal Trainer, MMA Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Sami's powerful demeanor and physical presence belie a rare emotional intelligence, which helps him imbue the roles he plays with gravity and a sensitivity that is magnetic to watch.
