Hiam Abbass

Hiam Abbass was born in Nazareth, Israel, on November 30, 1960, and was raised in the village of Deir Hanna. Her acting career began with Palestine’s El-Hakawati Theatre Group before she moved to Europe in the late 1980s. She settled in Paris, France, and eventually obtained French citizenship. During her career, Abbass has balanced acting in film and television with her work as a director. She is known for her roles in films such as “Red Satin” (2002), “Paradise Now” (2005), and “The Visitor” (2007). In 2005, she worked on Steven Spielberg’s film “Munich” not only as an actress but also as a consultant and dialogue coach, drawing on her unique perspective and background.

Abbass continued to expand her filmography with notable roles in “Lemon Tree” (2008), for which she won Best Performance by an Actress at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and “Blade Runner 2049” (2017), where she played Freysa. Her television career saw her gain prominence as Marcia Roy in the HBO drama series “Succession” (2018–2023), for which she received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series in 2023. She also had a significant role as Maysa Hassan in the Hulu comedy series “Ramy” (2019–present). Beyond acting, Abbass has directed several short films, including “Le Pain” (2001) and “La Danse éternelle” (2004), and made her feature directorial debut with “The Inheritance” in 2012.

Her dedication to her craft and cultural heritage is evident in her artistic choices. In 2023, she starred in “Bye Bye Tiberias,” a documentary directed by her daughter, Lina Soualem, which chronicles Abbass’s journey as an actress. This project further highlights her enduring connection to her roots and her willingness to share her personal story through her work. Her diverse roles and directorial ventures underscore her versatility and her contribution to both Arab and international cinema, advocating for representation and complex storytelling.