Hisham Tawfiq is a talented American actor, best known for his portrayal of Dembe Zuma on the popular TV series The Blacklist. Born on May 17, 1970, in New York City, Tawfiq initially pursued a career in the military and firefighting before transitioning to acting.
His role as Dembe Zuma, a calm and loyal bodyguard to Raymond “Red” Reddington, brought him significant recognition and praise. Tawfiq’s versatile career spans across film and television, where he has showcased his acting talent, and he continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Hisham Tawfiq Biography/wiki
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Hisham Tawfiq |
| Date of Birth | May 17, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, Former Firefighter and Military Veteran |
| Known For | Playing Dembe Zuma in The Blacklist |
| Years Active | 2000–Present |
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Spouse | Not Publicly Known |
| Children | 2 (Exact details not publicly disclosed) |
| Education | U.S. Marine Corps, then acting training |
| Net Worth | $200,000 – $4 million (estimated, 2024) |
| Social Media | See below |
| @hishamtawfiq (150,000+ followers) | |
| @HISHAMTAWFIQ (60,000+ followers) | |
| Hisham Tawfiq Official (50,000+ followers) |
Who is Hisham Tawfiq?
Hisham Tawfiq is an American actor best known for his role as Dembe Zuma in the hit TV series The Blacklist. Born on May 17, 1970, in New York City, Tawfiq has had a diverse career, with a background in both the military and firefighting before transitioning to acting. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Desert Storm campaign and later worked for the Fire Department of New York. Tawfiq’s breakthrough in acting came with his portrayal of the stoic and loyal Dembe Zuma, which earned him widespread recognition and a dedicated fanbase.
Hisham Tawfiq Early Life and Family
Raised in the vibrant and diverse environment of New York, he was exposed to various cultures and experiences that influenced his later career in acting. Before pursuing acting, Hisham served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he gained discipline and resilience, qualities that would later benefit him in his acting career.
He comes from a close-knit family, although details about his parents and siblings are not widely publicized. His early life was marked by a strong sense of duty, which he carried into his personal and professional life. After his military service, Hisham transitioned to acting, studying at various acting schools and honing his craft.
Hisham Tawfiq Amazing Career
Hisham Tawfiq’s acting career began later in life, but it quickly gained momentum once he found his calling. Before his breakout role in The Blacklist, Tawfiq worked in smaller roles in television and film. He appeared in shows like 30 Rock, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Lights Out.
His roles, though not leading parts, helped him hone his craft and build a reputation within the industry.His big break came in 2013 when he joined the cast of The Blacklist as Dembe Zuma. The show, which features Raymond “Red” Reddington (played by James Spader), became an instant hit, and Tawfiq’s portrayal of the quiet but powerful Dembe earned him a dedicated fanbase.
Over the years, Tawfiq’s role grew in prominence, and he became a key figure in the show, known for his stoic demeanor and unwavering loyalty. The success of The Blacklist helped elevate Tawfiq’s career and brought him recognition from audiences and critics alike.
Hisham Tawfiq Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Weight | 190 lbs (86 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Type | Muscular, athletic |
Hisham Tawfiq Wife/Girlfriend and Relationship Status
Hisham Tawfiq has maintained a relatively private personal life. While details about his romantic relationships remain largely undisclosed, Tawfiq has occasionally spoken about the importance of family and relationships.His relationship status is not publicly known, but his commitment to his family and community has been a consistent theme in interviews.
Tawfiq’s life outside of his acting career revolves around his family, service, and passion for mentoring the next generation of actors and artists. He has not been involved in any public controversies, and his relationships appear to be kept away from the spotlight.
Hisham Tawfiq Net Worth
| Category | Estimated Amount |
| Net Worth (2024) | $200,000–$4 million |
| Primary Income | Acting, endorsements |
| Other Sources | Firefighting, Military |
Hisham Tawfiq Future Plan and Goals
Hisham Tawfiq is focused on growing both personally and professionally. He has spoken about his desire to take on more challenging roles that explore deeper emotional and psychological themes, as well as stories from African-American history. Tawfiq’s experience in the military and as a firefighter has made him interested in roles that highlight resilience, duty, and the complexities of the human spirit.
In the future, Tawfiq hopes to expand his involvement in mentoring aspiring actors, particularly those from underrepresented communities. He has a strong belief in the power of storytelling and wants to help amplify voices that have been overlooked in mainstream media.
Hisham Tawfiq Social Media
| Platform | Handle | Followers (2024) |
| @hishamtawfiq | 150,000+ | |
| @HISHAMTAWFIQ | 60,000+ | |
| Hisham Tawfiq Official | 50,000+ |
Fun Facts:
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Military and Firefighting Background:
Before becoming an actor, Tawfiq served in the United States Marine Corps and later worked as a firefighter in New York for over two decades.
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Poetry Lover:
Tawfiq discovered his love for writing and poetry early in life, which influenced his acting style.
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Veteran Advocate:
He is an advocate for military veterans, often using his platform to raise awareness about the challenges they face.
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Photography Enthusiast:
Tawfiq enjoys photography and shares his work on social media, showcasing his creative side beyond acting.
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Community Engagement:
Tawfiq is passionate about giving back to his community, especially through mentoring young actors and supporting various charitable causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hisham Tawfiq’s most famous role?
Hisham Tawfiq is best known for playing Dembe Zuma in The Blacklist, a role that has earned him a loyal fan base.
What is Hisham Tawfiq’s net worth in 2024?
Hisham Tawfiq’s net worth is estimated to be between $200,000 and $4 million, primarily from his acting career and past work as a firefighter.
Is Hisham Tawfiq married?
Hisham Tawfiq keeps his personal life private, but no public reports are confirming his current marital status.
Has Hisham Tawfiq worked in other TV shows or films?
Yes, Tawfiq has appeared in other shows such as 30 Rock, Law & Order: SVU, and Lights Out, along with films like Dead Man Down.
Conclusion
Hisham Tawfiq’s journey from a Marine to a firefighter and ultimately to a celebrated actor in Hollywood is nothing short of inspiring. His ability to draw on his diverse experiences has made him a well-rounded and respected figure in the entertainment industry. Through his powerful performance as Dembe Zuma in The Blacklist, Tawfiq has proven his acting prowess and won the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
His journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the belief that success is the result of continuous growth. With his eyes set on new goals, Tawfiq is sure to remain a powerful presence in the entertainment world for years to come. His story inspires future generations to pursue their dreams, no matter how unconventional the path may seem.