Zeeko Zaki
An Egyptian-American actor who found breakout fame as the steadfast and principled Special Agent OA Zidan on the hit television series FBI.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Egyptian-American actor·Birthday: January 18·Millennials
Biography
Zeeko Zaki's rise in Hollywood is a testament to the power of presence and breaking type. Born in Egypt and raised in the United States, his imposing physical stature and deep voice initially typecast him in roles that leaned on intimidation. He appeared as a terrorist in shows like '24: Legacy' and 'Homeland,' a pattern he was determined to shatter. His big break came with the role of Special Agent Omar Adom 'OA' Zidan on Dick Wolf's CBS procedural 'FBI.' As OA, Zaki brought a compelling mix of physical authority, moral clarity, and emotional depth, becoming the show's reliable anchor. The role did more than make him a familiar face; it redefined the image of an American FBI agent on prime-time television, presenting a Muslim character of Middle Eastern heritage as a heroic and integral part of the team. Zaki's performance has made him a symbol of nuanced representation, proving that an actor's background can expand a character's identity rather than confine it.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Zeeko was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Zeeko Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Zeeko's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Stars as a series regular playing Special Agent Omar Adom 'OA' Zidan on the CBS drama 'FBI'.
- Broke away from stereotypical roles to portray a leading, heroic character of Egyptian heritage on network television.
- Appeared in major film franchises, including a role in the 2019 film '6 Underground' directed by Michael Bay.
Did You Know?
He stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and was a competitive swimmer in his youth.
He was born in Port Said, Egypt, and moved to the United States when he was a child.
Before acting, he studied business at Temple University.
“I want to show that a Middle Eastern actor can play any human role.”
