Sayed Badreya
Biography
Sayed Badreya is an Egyptian-born filmmaker and actor who was born on May 1, 1957, in Port Said, Egypt. Growing up in poverty during a turbulent period that included the Six Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973, he found an escape in movie theaters, which inspired his pursuit of a career in film. He attended New York University film school before moving to Hollywood, where he initially worked as an assistant. Badreya eventually realized his childhood dream by securing roles in major Hollywood films, including The Insider, Three Kings, Independence Day, and Iron Man. Throughout his acting career, he has shared scenes with prominent figures such as Al Pacino and Jackie Chan.
Career overview
Sayed Badreya is an Egyptian-born filmmaker and actor. Born in Port Said, Egypt, on May 1, 1957, he grew up in poverty experiencing the Six Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973. During his childhood, movie theaters served as his escape and inspired his ambition to become part of the film industry. He subsequently attended New York University film school before moving to Hollywood, where he initially worked as an assistant.
Over the course of his career, Badreya has achieved his childhood dream by securing roles in major Hollywood films. His film credits include appearances in Independence Day, The Insider, Three Kings, and Iron Man. As an actor, he has also shared scenes with prominent performers such as Al Pacino and Jackie Chan.
Mainly recognized for his acting work, Badreya holds forty-six known credits on The Movie Database. He continues to be known as an Arab American actor and filmmaker whose background shaped his journey into the American film industry.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Sayed Badreya.
Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
51 titles- Rise of the Conqueror (2026) as Kay Khusrau
- Hello Beautiful (2025)
- WondLa (2024) as Bartender (voice)
- Jellyfish and Lobster (2023) as Mido
- Vanguard (2020) as Abati
- Witness to a Rape (2020) as himself
- Witness to a Rape (2020) Producer
- Witness to a Rape (2020) Director
- Witness to a Rape (2020) Author
- I Am That Man (2019) as Harry
- Apple & Onion (2018) as Falafel (voice)
- Boiling Pot (2015) as Anwar Seif
- Movie 43 (2013) as Large Man (segment "Truth or Dare")
- Just Like a Woman (2013) as Tarek
- The Dictator (2012) as Omar
- The Three Stooges (2012) as Orderly
- The Space Between (2011) as Imam
- Cargo (2011) as Sayed
- This Narrow Place (2011) as Aziz
- Family Prayers (2010) as Hussein
- Backyard (2009) as El Sultán
- Iron Man (2008) as Abu Bakaar
- You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008) as Hamdi
- AmericanEast (2008) as Mustafa Marzouke
- AmericanEast (2008) Writer
- The Unit (2006) as Afghan Commander
- Numb3rs (2005) as Sayed Malik
- Lost (2004) as Mr. Jarrah
- Soul Plane (2004) as Middle Eastern Passenger
- Stuck on You (2003) as Assisting Surgeon
- Alias (2001) as Vendor
- Shallow Hal (2001) as Doctor Sayed
- The Princess & the Marine (2001) as Chauffeur
- The West Wing (1999) as Fatah Official
- The Insider (1999) as Hezbollah Head Gunman
- Three Kings (1999) as Iraqi Tank Major
- The Practice (1997) as Adman Fajiz
- Independence Day (1996) as Arab Pilot
- Executive Decision (1996) Technical Advisor
- Kingpin (1996) as Fatima
- Mirage (1995) as Sayed
- Stargate (1994) as Arabic Interpreter
- True Lies (1994) as Arab Terrorist (uncredited)
- The Nanny (1993) as Guard
- Intimate Stranger (1991) as Clerk
- Seinfeld (1989) as Foreign Man
- The Taking of Flight 847: The Uli Derickson Story (1988) as Skull & Crossbones
- Hotshot (1987) as Mohamed
- perforated calabash as himself
- perforated calabash Producer
- Dandelion Season as Omar
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Sayed Badreya best known for?
Sayed Badreya is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Rise of the Conqueror (2026), WondLa (2024), Vanguard (2020), Apple & Onion (2018).
When and where was Sayed Badreya born?
Sayed Badreya was born on May 1, 1957 in Port Said, Egypt.
How many credits does Sayed Badreya have?
Sayed Badreya has accumulated over 51 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1987 to 2026.
What is Sayed Badreya's background in cinema and television?
Sayed Badreya is an Egyptian-born filmmaker and actor who was born on May 1, 1957, in Port Said, Egypt. Growing up in poverty during a turbulent period that included the Six Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973, he found an escape in movie theaters, which inspired his pursuit of a career in film. He attended ...