Hiam Abbass

Career overview

Hiam Abbass, born on 30 November 1960 in Nazareth, Israel, is a Palestinian actress and film director who holds Israeli and French citizenship. She is also credited under variations of her name, including Hiam Soualem, Hiyam Abbass, Iliam Abbass and Hiam Abbas. Abbass began building an international film career in the early 2000s, appearing in a series of acclaimed Middle‑Eastern productions such as The Syrian Bride (2004), Paradise Now (2005), Free Zone (2005) and Steven Spielberg’s Munich (2005). Her work continued with roles in The Visitor (2007), Lemon Tree (2008), the Syrian‑war drama Insyriated (2017) and the science‑fiction sequel Blade Runner 2049 (2017).

In addition to her film work, Abbass has become a recognizable presence on television. She gained widespread attention for her portrayal of Marcia Roy in the HBO drama series Succession from 2018 through 2023. Earlier television appearances include the Channel 4 series The Promise (2011) and the Lifetime miniseries The Red Tent (2014). More recent roles feature recurring parts in the Hulu comedy Ramy (beginning in 2019) and the Hulu drama The Old Man (2022). Across film and television, Abbass’s career reflects a steady accumulation of diverse, internationally noted performances.