5 Shocking Facts About Zeeko Zaki: The FBI Star Reshaping Hollywood In 2025

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Zeeko Zaki continues to dominate primetime television as Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan on the massive CBS hit, FBI, with the series moving confidently into its eighth season in 2025. The Egyptian-American actor is not just a leading man in a major Dick Wolf procedural; he is a cultural phenomenon whose presence is actively changing the landscape of Middle Eastern representation in Hollywood. As of late 2024 and throughout 2025, Zaki has been at the center of some of the most dramatic storylines on the show, navigating complex character arcs that have kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The latest updates from the set confirm that Zaki was filming in New York City in March 2025, suggesting his character, OA Zidan, is deeply involved in the fallout from the intense Season 7 finale. Beyond the screen, Zaki’s journey—from a relative newcomer taking on small, often typecast roles to becoming a heroic protagonist—is a compelling story of perseverance and intentional career choices that resonate far beyond the ratings of the popular CBS drama. This article dives into the five most impactful and current facts about the star who is redefining the image of the modern American hero.

Zeeko Zaki: Complete Biography and Profile

Zeeko Zaki, born Zakaria Sherif Zaki, is an Egyptian-American actor who has achieved international recognition for his groundbreaking role in the world of television. His career trajectory highlights a deliberate move away from stereotypical roles to one of significant cultural importance.

  • Full Name: Zakaria Sherif Zaki
  • Better Known As: Zeeko Zaki
  • Date of Birth: January 18, 1990
  • Age (as of 2025): 35 years old
  • Birthplace: Alexandria, Egypt
  • Hometown/Upbringing: West Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
  • Nationality: Egyptian-American
  • Ancestry: Egyptian, Syrian, and Turkish
  • Marital Status: Single (Previously engaged to TikTok star Renee Monaco)
  • Primary Role: Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan on FBI (2018–Present)
  • Estimated Net Worth (2025): Between $3 million and $5 million USD, primarily from his lead role on primetime television.
  • Career Milestone: First Egyptian-born actor to lead a major U.S. primetime television series.

1. The Ongoing Dramatic Saga of OA Zidan in FBI Season 8 (2025)

The core of Zeeko Zaki's current work revolves around his demanding role as Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan on the flagship series FBI. The show, which is part of the Dick Wolf television empire, has been renewed for an eighth season, confirming Zaki’s continued presence as a central figure in the New York-based field office.

The beginning of 2025 saw OA Zidan grappling with the intense emotional and professional repercussions of the Season 7 fall finale, which involved a deadly confrontation. Zaki has discussed the challenges of filming high-stakes drama, noting that the show’s quick-turnaround production schedule, even in the cold New York weather, adds to the intensity of the performance.

Fans also noted Zaki’s absence from a few recent Season 7 episodes, which sparked online speculation. However, his confirmed return to set in March 2025 suggests that his character is simply navigating a complex personal storyline, which often includes time away from the field after traumatic events. The dynamic partnership between OA and his co-star, Missy Peregrym (who plays Maggie Bell), remains the emotional anchor of the series, and their chemistry is a major factor in the show's sustained success.

2. Zeeko Zaki’s Groundbreaking Impact on Arab-American Representation

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Zeeko Zaki’s career is the cultural shift he represents. He is widely celebrated as the first Egyptian-born actor to take a lead role in a major U.S. primetime series. More importantly, he plays an Arab-American and Muslim-American hero in law enforcement—a profound departure from the stereotypical roles often assigned to actors of Middle Eastern descent.

In his early career, Zaki often found himself playing "bad guys" or terrorist figures in shows like 24: Legacy and Six. His decision to take on the role of OA Zidan was a conscious effort to challenge the narrative and offer a positive, nuanced portrayal.

Zaki has consistently spoken about the importance of this representation, stating that seeing an Arab-American and Muslim as a protagonist—a hero who works for the FBI—is rare and vital for reshaping public opinion. His character is not defined by his background but is a complex, patriotic, and highly skilled agent, providing a powerful counter-narrative to decades of negative typecasting in Hollywood. This intentional career move has established him as a significant voice for the Arab-American community in the entertainment industry.

3. The Career Trajectory: From Typecasting to Leading Man

Zeeko Zaki’s path to becoming a series regular on a major network show was a classic Hollywood grind. Before landing his breakout role on FBI, he spent years building a robust resume with guest and recurring roles across various television dramas and films.

His television credits are extensive and include appearances in high-profile shows such as NCIS: Los Angeles, The Night Shift, and a recurring role as a door gunner on the military drama Valor. He also appeared in films like Stuck in Love and Allegiant.

Zaki’s willingness to take small roles, even those that risked typecasting, was part of his strategy to consistently work and build a career. This foundation eventually led to the opportunity to audition for the role of OA Zidan, a character originally written without a specific ethnic background. Zaki’s performance convinced the producers to tailor the character to his Egyptian-American heritage, cementing his place in television history.

4. Personal Life Update: Moving Forward After a Public Engagement

While Zeeko Zaki keeps much of his personal life private, his romantic history has garnered some public attention. Fans were excited when the actor proposed to his then-girlfriend, TikTok star Renee Monaco, in a romantic desert setting. The couple was previously engaged, but recent reports indicate that Zeeko Zaki is currently "back on the market" as of 2025.

This personal update suggests that Zaki is focusing on his demanding career schedule, which involves leading a primetime show that requires extensive on-location filming in New York. While the details of his relationships remain closely guarded, the actor continues to be a fan favorite, with his personal life often a topic of curiosity among his dedicated viewership.

5. His Connection to the Dick Wolf Universe and Spin-Offs

Zeeko Zaki’s role as OA Zidan is crucial to the success of the entire FBI franchise, which operates under the renowned producer Dick Wolf, also known for the long-running Law & Order and Chicago franchises. Zaki’s character has been a key figure in numerous crossover episodes, appearing on both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International.

While the spin-offs have experienced cast changes and, in the case of FBI: International, cancellation, Zaki’s role on the original FBI remains secure and central to the universe. His commitment to the flagship show, which is a consistent ratings winner for CBS, means he is an integral part of one of the most powerful and long-lasting television brands in the industry. His character’s stability and popularity are a testament to Zaki’s strong performance and the audience's investment in the heroic, complex figure of Special Agent OA Zidan.

zeeko zaki
zeeko zaki

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