Random Hollywood Actors You Didn’t Know Had Lebanese Roots

Yes, we know Shakira, Salma Hayek, Jenna Dewan, and Wentworth Miller. But there are actually so many other celebrities that have Lebanese blood in them. Here are some random Hollywood actors that you didn’t know had Lebanese roots.

1. Shannon Elizabeth

The iconic Shannon Elizabeth who played Buffy Gilmore in Scary Movie (2000) was actually born Shannon Elizabeth Fadal. Her father is of Syrian and Lebanese ancestry.

2. Vince Vaughn

Vince Vaughn, who is famous for movies like Swingers (1996) Wedding Crashers (2005), is of Lebanese descent. His grandmother comes from the Bou Saba family, so he gets it from her!

3. Zoe Saldaña

The Guardians of the Galaxy star is born to Puerto Rican and Dominican parents, but she once said she has Lebanese ancestry, of which she is very proud. She has also expressed her love for Lebanese cooking.

4. Rose Abdoo

Actress and comedian Rose Abdoo is known for her roles in Gilmore Girls (2000), 2 Broke Girls (2011), and more. She has Lebanese and Dominican roots, and she often spoke of her struggles as a woman of color in the industry.

5. Kathy Najimy

If you didn’t know the talented Kathy Naijmy was Lebanese, now you do! Known for her roles in Sister Act (1992) and Hocus Pocus (1993), she was born to Lebanese-American parents Samia and Fred Najimy. Her mom actually lived most of her life in Lebanon before she migrated to the US.

6. Amy Yasbeck

Known for her roles in The Mask (1994), Pretty Woman (1990) and Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), Amy Yasbeck’s Lebanese roots come from her father, John Anthony Yasbeck.

7. Casey Kasem

The legendary Casey Kassem was the voice behind Shaggy from Scooby-Doo and Robin from Super Friends! He also hosted many popular radio countdown programs. He was born Kemal Amin Kasem, and his parents, Helen and Amin, immigrated from Lebanon.

Did you enjoy reading about these random Hollywood actors and their Lebanese roots? You might also like: In Case You Forgot: This Italian Actor Speaks Lebanese Arabic.