According to “FBI” star Zeeko Zaki, it’s no longer shocking that an Arab-American Muslim is the lead in a TV show. “Which was the goal, of course. But then, at the same time, I’m still the only one,” he told journalists at Monte-Carlo Television Festival.
“There’s still a bigger fight for representation on TV. And there’s still a bigger fight for balance in the world as a whole.”
Portraying an FBI agent is a responsibility, he said.
“I was invited to speak with the FBI. These agents communicate with us constantly, and we know they approve of our show. We’re doing it in an authentic enough way that the real FBI is a fan of the show.”
He added: “The exciting thing about our show is that we’re the only window into the FBI. They don’t post videos on Instagram; their kids don’t see what their parents do at work. This window opens up every Monday at 8 p.m. on CBS.”
It’s important to represent them properly, he argued, and to keep up with the ever-changing world.
“I take it very seriously: physically, emotionally, mentally. We’re now stepping into parts of the series now where we’re showing a little weakness. You see me getting beaten up. It’s not always this ‘hero’ thing,” he noted.
“In the last episode that we filmed, my first line is: ‘It’s a total mess. Things weren’t this bad when we signed up.’ We’re dealing with biochemicals, AI and drones. It does feel like we’re moving so quickly into this new realm of terror. But that’s the thing: these writers get inspiration from real things.”
Would “FBI” and “Law & Order” producer Dick Wolf consider making a show about ICE?
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but the birth of ICE is controversial. Also, I think it’s maybe too new. I don’t know if ICE is going to be around in the next generation, and Dick doesn’t think about right now. He thinks about the show ripping on TV in 40 years.”
When Zaki first got the part, he was down to his last $300 and contemplating a career in real estate.
“I was watching ‘Property Brothers,’ looking for the career that requires the least amount of schooling but can earn the most money, so that I can help my parents,” he recalled.
“Later, I would sit with these CBS execs, asking: ‘Are we coming back next year?!’ They were like: ‘Why are you stressing about this? The show’s working, everything’s great.’ But I was the last to believe it would be on for 10 years – just out of self-preservation.”
Now, he’s finally comfortable enough to consider the future.
“Look at what Mariska [Hargitay] did with 27 seasons [of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’]. She has her charities and it makes you wonder: How do we help?”
Developing stories “that aren’t being told” might just be the answer, as might setting up his own production company.
“That’s definitely the goal. I’m really excited to be with Dick Wolf for probably the entirety of my career, regardless of what happens. We’ve expressed that to each other. I’m a loyal team player, but it’s cool to see the things other actors have been able to do while remaining part of their teams.”
He added: “I come from a world where I’ve seen people’s careers start and end like this. I would still like to stay as undercover as possible, because I believe in the evil eye. I’ve really enjoyed staying off social media and out of the public eye, and I like the idea of giving the audience the experience of seeing me only when that TV comes on.”
“If you’re making TikToks, you’re not working. You’re not doing what you’re being paid to do. I pop on to post about the show, but I’m not going to post [pictures of] my toast in the morning. When my phone tells me I’ve been on it for eight hours, I go: What are you talking about?! That’s crazy.”
Source: variety.com
