Hollywood Celebs You Didn’t Know Are Muslims

Hollywood is full of stars from different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds.

Some celebrities speak openly about being Muslim. Others keep faith more private. Some were born into Muslim families. Some converted later in life. And some connect to Islam through culture, family, or identity without making religion the center of their public image.

This article focuses only on famous people who have publicly identified as Muslim, spoken about Islam, or whose Muslim identity is widely documented. It does not assume anyone’s religion based on name, ethnicity, clothing, nationality, or rumors.

Here are Hollywood celebrities you may not have known are Muslim.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali is one of the most respected Muslim actors in Hollywood. The Oscar-winning actor is known for Moonlight, Green Book, True Detective, House of Cards, and Swan Song. He converted to Islam in 2000 and is part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. His faith became part of public conversation when he made history as the first Muslim actor to win an Academy Award.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed is one of the most visible Muslim actors working in Hollywood today. The British actor, rapper, writer, and activist has appeared in Nightcrawler, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Venom, Sound of Metal, and Mogul Mowgli. He became the first Muslim actor nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor, a milestone that carried major cultural weight.

Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle converted to Islam before becoming one of the most famous comedians in the world. The comedian and actor has spoken about Islam in interviews, though he does not usually make faith the center of his comedy. Chappelle converted as a young man and has described Islam as a meaningful part of his life.

Ice Cube

Ice Cube is widely known as a rapper, actor, writer, and producer, but many fans may not know he has publicly identified as Muslim. He rose to fame with N.W.A. before building a solo music career and a major film career through Friday, Barbershop, Are We There Yet?, Boyz n the Hood, and other projects.

DJ Khaled

DJ Khaled is one of the most recognizable Muslim figures in modern entertainment. The producer, DJ, and media personality is Palestinian-American and has spoken proudly about being Muslim. He became famous through music, collaborations, motivational social media clips, and albums featuring some of the biggest names in hip-hop and pop.

Ramy Youssef

Ramy Youssef has made Muslim identity central to his work. The actor, comedian, writer, and creator of Ramy built one of the most important Muslim-American shows in recent television. The series explores faith, family, desire, guilt, identity, and the messy reality of trying to live religiously in modern America.

Hasan Minhaj

Hasan Minhaj is a Muslim comedian, actor, writer, and former host of Patriot Act. He became widely known through The Daily Show before building his own voice around politics, culture, family, immigration, and Muslim-American identity. His stand-up specials often discuss growing up as the child of Indian Muslim immigrants in the United States.

Bella Hadid

Bella Hadid has spoken proudly about her Muslim background. The model and public figure is the daughter of Palestinian real estate developer Mohamed Hadid. She has publicly connected with her Palestinian identity and has spoken about being proud to be Muslim.

Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid also comes from a Muslim Palestinian family through her father, Mohamed Hadid. Like Bella, she is known globally for modeling, fashion campaigns, runway work, and celebrity culture. Her connection to Muslim and Palestinian identity has been part of her public background, even though she does not make religious discussion the center of her career.

Omar Sharif

Omar Sharif was one of the most famous Muslim actors in international film history. The Egyptian actor became a global star through Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, and Funny Girl. Born Michel Chalhoub into a Christian family, he converted to Islam before marrying Egyptian actress Faten Hamama. Sharif’s career helped connect Arab cinema with Hollywood. He became one of the first Middle Eastern actors to achieve major global stardom.

Shohreh Aghdashloo

Shohreh Aghdashloo is an Iranian-born actress whose career has spanned international cinema, Hollywood film, and television. She is known for House of Sand and Fog, 24, The Expanse, and many voice and screen roles. Aghdashloo comes from an Iranian Muslim background, though her public identity is often discussed more through culture, politics, acting, and exile than through religious practice.

Yasiin Bey

Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, is a Muslim rapper and actor. He became famous through hip-hop, especially as part of Black Star with Talib Kweli, and later built an acting career with roles in The Italian Job, 16 Blocks, Be Kind Rewind, and Dexter. His faith has been part of his public identity for years.

Busta Rhymes

Busta Rhymes is another major hip-hop artist who has publicly identified as Muslim. Known for his rapid delivery, high-energy videos, and powerful stage presence, he became one of the most distinctive rappers of the 1990s and 2000s.

Lupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco is a Muslim rapper, writer, and thinker known for socially aware music. He became famous through songs like “Kick, Push,” “Superstar,” and “The Show Goes On,” while also building a reputation for political commentary and dense lyricism. His Muslim background has shaped parts of his worldview and public identity.

Akon

Akon is a Muslim singer, producer, and entrepreneur. Born into a Senegalese Muslim family, he became a global music star through hits like “Lonely,” “Smack That,” and “Don’t Matter.” He later expanded into business, philanthropy, and energy projects in Africa.

French Montana

French Montana is a Moroccan-born rapper who comes from a Muslim background. He moved to the United States as a teenager and later became known for songs like “Unforgettable,” “Pop That,” and collaborations across hip-hop.

SZA

SZA was raised Muslim and has spoken about her Muslim upbringing. The Grammy-winning singer, known for Ctrl and SOS, grew up in a household shaped by Islam. She has discussed wearing hijab when she was younger and how her religious background affected her identity.

Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson converted to Islam during a difficult period in his life. The former boxing champion has spoken about Islam, prayer, and personal change over the years. Although he is best known as an athlete, Tyson has also acted, appeared in films and TV, and become a major entertainment figure.