Many may recognize American actorRami Malekfor his Oscar-winning performance as Freddy Mercury in the 2018 movieBohemian Rhapsody, a box office sensation that elevated him into the A-list. Coupled with his Emmy-winning role in USA Network’sMr. Robot, Malek’s profile has severely increased, becoming one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood. Audiences most recently saw Malek inChristopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed biopicOppenheimer.
Since making his debut inGilmore Girlsin 2004, Malek has continued to show his excellent acting skills, winning over audiences on both the big and small screen. Considering his massive career, it’s easy to forget he was once a struggling actor. Before making his giant cinematic leap and becoming a household name, Malek played many other exceptional roles in movies and television that mainstream audiences might not be aware of.
9’The War at Home' (2005 - 2007)
Role: Khaleel Nazeeh “Kenny” Al-Bahir
Rami Malek landed the role of Kenny in the sitcomThe War at Home, which follows the experiences of a dysfunctional family based in New York City. Kenny is an awkward sixteen-year-old who, after revealing to his parents that he is gay, is compelled to move in with his 15-year-old best friend, Larry, and his family.
The role of Kenny was Malek’s first recurring role in a series. Although far fromthe best sitcom of the 21st century,The War at Homeis worth revisiting for Malek’s excellent supporting performance and its stellar handling of Kenny’s coming-out story, especially for its time. Malek’s role in this storyline years before being cast in the role of icon Freddie Mercury may have been the perfect stepping stone to his future success.
The War at Home
The War At Home: This sitcom centers around the chaotic lives of Dave and Vicky Gold, parents trying to manage their three teenage children while navigating the trials of family life in Long Island, New York. Through humor and relatable scenarios, the series explores the complexities of modern parenthood and the generational conflicts that arise within a household.
8’Night at the Museum' Trilogy (2006 - 2014)
Role: Ahkmenrah
The family-friendly franchiseNight at the Museumlaunched in 2006 and delighted its audience. The adventurous comedy follows Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), who accepts a position as a security guard at the American Museum of Natural History. Larry unearths an incredible discovery when exhibits of the world’s most famous figures mysteriously come to life after hours.
Rami Malek made his feature film debut in the high-concept blockbuster.Malek’s casting in the role of the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Ahkmenrah displayed his natural talent for subdued comedy. The crowd-pleaser resulted in two sequels, with Malek’s character taking on a more significant role in the franchise’s third installment,Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.
Watch on Disney+
7’The Pacific' (2010)
Role: Cpl. Merriell “Snafu” Shelton
The 2010 miniseriesThe Pacificis a horrifying exploration of World War II based on the accounts of three marines. Malek plays Merriel “Snafu” Shelton, a soldier from Louisiana who is an excitable kid and a poker prodigy with a chaotic personality. Shelton’s disorganization leads to mistakes and discussions about unrelated topics, particularly when inebriated or agitated.
The 10-part miniseries hadTom HanksandSteven Spielbergas producers following the success of HBO’s award-winningBand of Brothers.The Pacificis a powerful viewing experience that describes a regular man’s hardships at war. Malek’s excellent performance creates an intimacy that allows viewers to bond with his character, creating one ofthe most riveting and best HBO miniseriesin recent memory.
The Pacific
A companion piece to the WWII miniseries Band of Brothers, The Pacific chronicles the lives of three Marines in the 1st Marine Division and their actions in the Pacific Theater of the Second World War. Based on the lives of real men who fought in the war, The Pacific focuses on some of the war’s most well-known battles, such as Guadalcanal and the Battle of Iwo Jima. James Badge Dale, Jon Seda, and Joseph Mazzello star as the three main focuses of the series.
Watch on Max
6’Short Term 12' (2013)
Role: Nate
Short Term 12is an independent drama film that follows a group of counselors and residents at a foster care facility. As the group supervisor, Grace (Brie Larson), battles her own traumatic past, Malek’s character, Nate, enters the facility as a new counselor. Nate proceeds to work through tense situations among the problematic teens while learning the ins and outs of the residential facility.
Written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton,Short Term 12is an empathetic and revealing drama. At the time, Malek was one of the most unrecognized actors in the movie, yet his role played an essential part in pulling audiences into the perspective of neglected youths. With raw emotion and attention to detail,Short Term 12is amongthe all-time best indie moviesand a moving and unforgettable viewing experience.
Short Term 12
A 20-something supervising staff member of a residential treatment facility navigates the troubled waters of that world alongside her co-worker and longtime boyfriend.
Watch on Prime Video
5’Need for Speed' (2014)
Role: Finn
In the action filmNeed for Speed, Malek plays the role of Finn, a computer prodigy and member of a group of mechanics who go their separate ways when a rival frames shop owner, Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul). Upon his release from prison, Tobey, a former streetcar racer, brings his group of street racers together, including Finn, and devises a plan with revenge in mind.
Directed byScott Waugh,Need for Speedis a fun action-adventure story about a hell-bent hero looking to clear his name. Although the film was not very well received, it is still fast-paced and entertaining, with Malek’s character receiving a decent amount of screen time. Overall, the movie is one of the better attempts atadapting a popular video game to the big screen.
Need For Speed
Watch on Hulu
4’Mr. Robot' (2015 - 2019)
Role: Elliot Alderson
Mr. Robotis a thriller television series starring Rami Malek as the anti-social programmer Elliot Anderson, who suffers from anxiety, identity issues, and depression. During the day, Elliot works as a cyber-security engineer for a corporation, and by night, he hacks felons. The series follows Elliot as he makes it his mission to bring down corporate America through cyberattacks while battling between reality and what is playing out in his mind.
Created bySam Esmail,Mr. Robotis a fast-paced, visceral and original masterpiece, delivering a hypnotic and compelling storyline full of twists and turns. Malek’s magnetic performance was well-received by critics and audiences; however, despite critical acclaim,Mr. Robotwas never a huge hit beyond its first season. It’s a shame because itranks among the best TV dramas, largely thanks to Malek and co-starChristian Slater.
3’Buster’s Mal Heart' (2016)
Role: Jonás “Jonah” Cueyatl
Buster’s Mal Heartisa head-scratching surreal mystery moviestarring Rami Malek as an eccentric man named Jonah Buster. Malek’s character lives the life of a paranoid drifter who is prone to conspiracy theories and on the run from authorities. Yet as the film progresses, viewers soon discover that Buster is a family man and former concierge suffering from psychological problems.
Written, directed, and edited bySarah Adina Smith,Buster’s Mal Heartis a bizarre and intriguing story that oscillates between Buster’s dreams, the past, and the present. Malek’s incredible talent and versatility as he moves between various stages of Buster’s life and his gradual disillusionment are on full display. In his first feature lead, Malek delivers a riveting performance that will keep viewers guessing.
2’Papillon' (2017)
Role: Louis Dega
The biographical dramaPapillonfollows the story of French convict Henri “Papillon” Charrière (Charlie Hunnam), a Parisian underworld safecracker who is framed for murder. Condemned to life in prison in the notorious penal colony Devil’s Island, Charrière, along with fellow convict professional counterfeiter Louis Dega (Rami Malek), plan their escape.
Directed byMichael Noer,Papillonis an engaging film that focuses on the unlikely relationship between Charrière and Dega and the lengths they will resort to in fighting for independence. While both lead characters form an outstanding duo, Malek’s arresting performance makes this thrilling action film genuinely spectacular.Papillonis amongthe most underrated biopicsin the new millennium and a worthy showcase for its two lead actors.
1’The Master' (2012)
Role: Clark Massey
Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2012 psychological dramaThe MasterstarsJoaquin Phoenix, the latePhilip Seymour Hoffman, andAmy Adams. The plot centers on Freddie Quell, a World War II veteran struggling to re-adapt to society, who meets and becomes involved with a charming man and his cult-like movement, The Cause. Malek plays Clark, one of The Cause’s loyal acolytes.
The Masterreceived positive reviews, with Phoenix, Hoffman, and Adams receiving Oscar nominations. However, the supporting cast, including Malek,Jessie Plemmons, and future Oscar winnerLaura Dern, flew under the radar.The Masteris a showcase for its leading trio, but the supporting cast is as impressive, each providing a new layer to this intricate story about trauma and regret thatranks among Paul Thomas Anderson’s best efforts.
The Master
A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future - until he is tantalized by the Cause and its charismatic leader.
