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The National
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Rami Malek's road to Hollywood Walk of Fame: Career evolution from Gilmore Girls to Oscars and Oppenheimer
Rami Malek 's journey in Hollywood is one of perseverance, talent and transformation. This week, it was announced that the Egyptian-American actor will be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. From modest beginnings in television to becoming an Oscar-winning actor and international star, Malek has steadily carved a space for himself in an industry often dominated by familiar faces. His presence and versatility have made him one of the most distinctive actors of his generation. To mark his latest achievement, we look back at the career that led him to this point. Early life and education Rami Said Malek was born on May 12, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, to Egyptian immigrant parents. Though raised in the US, he has often spoken of the cultural tension he felt growing up with a dual identity. His parents, who had traditional aspirations – his father worked as a tour guide and later sold insurance, while his mother was an accountant – initially steered him towards a more conventional career path. Malek studied theatre at the University of Evansville in Indiana, where his professors quickly recognised his potential. After graduating in 2003, he returned to Los Angeles, struggling to find work while living with his parents and taking on odd jobs. His persistence paid off in 2004 with a guest role on the sitcom Gilmore Girls – a brief appearance that marked the start of a significant acting career. Roles in The War at Home, The Pacific and 24 Malek's first recurring role came in 2005 with the sitcom The War at Home, in which he played Kenny – a teenager grappling with his identity. Despite the series' lukewarm reception and early cancellation, Malek's performance stood out for its emotional honesty. His major breakthrough arrived in 2010 with The Pacific, the Second World War miniseries produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. As Corporal Merriell 'Snafu' Shelton, Malek impressed critics with his ability to portray a complex, psychologically intense character. That same year, he appeared in season 8 of 24, playing Marcos Al-Zacar – a conflicted suicide bomber – further showcasing his range. Working with Ben Stiller, Brie Larson and Philip Seymour Hoffman Between 2006 and 2014, Malek appeared in a variety of supporting roles in film and television. He gained wider visibility as Ahkmenrah, a pharaoh brought to life in the Night at the Museum franchise. Starring alongside Robin Williams, Ben Stiller and Steve Coogan in these family-friendly films, Malek got mainstream exposure and showed his ability to contribute meaningfully to ensemble casts. He also pursued more dramatic roles, including a small but memorable turn in Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master, playing the son-in-law of Philip Seymour Hoffman 's character. Sharing scenes with acting heavyweights such as Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams, Malek continued to build his reputation. In 2013, he appeared in acclaimed indie drama Short Term 12, alongside Brie Larson, Kaitlyn Dever and LaKeith Stanfield – a film that further solidified his credentials. Mr Robot and critical acclaim Malek's career hit a new high in 2015 when he was cast as Elliot Alderson in Mr Robot, a psychological thriller created by Sam Esmail. He played a mentally unstable cybersecurity engineer recruited by a hacking collective to take down corrupt corporations. The series quickly became a critical success and cult favourite. Malek's performance – intense, unpredictable and deeply human – earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2016, making him the first actor of Egyptian heritage to win in the category. The show ran for four seasons, cementing Malek's standing in the industry. Bohemian Rhapsody and Oscar glory While Mr Robot made Malek a television star, it was his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody that made him a leading man in cinema. Malek spent months preparing – studying Mercury's movements, vocal style and mannerisms – to deliver an uncannily accurate performance. Though the film drew criticism for historical liberties and its direction, Malek's performance was universally praised. In 2019, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor – becoming the first Arab to receive the honour – along with a Bafta, Golden Globe and SAG Award. In his acceptance speech, he reflected on being a first-generation American born to immigrant parents and the importance of telling Mercury's story – 'a fellow immigrant and outsider who defied expectations'. James Bond's foe Following his Oscar win, Malek signalled a desire to explore different genres. In 2021, he starred opposite Denzel Washington and Jared Leto in The Little Things, playing a young detective in the tense crime thriller. Later that year, he took on the role of Bond villain Lyutsifer Safin in No Time to Die, Daniel Craig's final outing as 007. Malek's antagonist – a bioterrorist fuelled by revenge – was enigmatic and chilling, adding gravitas to the blockbuster. Oppenheimer, The Amateur and the future In Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer (2023), Malek made a strong impression despite limited screen time. He portrayed a key figure in a pivotal moment of the film – a testament to his ability to command attention with restraint. This year, he starred in The Amateur alongside Jon Bernthal and Laurence Fishburne, playing a CIA cryptographer. The role echoed elements of Mr Robot, returning Malek to the cinematic world of shadowy expertise and global consequence. Speaking to The National ahead of the film's release, Malek said his passion was simply 'to be a working actor', crediting character actors such as Gene Hackman as inspirations. 'I always loved the character actor – that guy that just kind of appears in things,' he said. 'I remember watching Gene Hackman when I was young. He just kept popping up, until one day I realised 'that's Gene Hackman' – may God rest his soul.' Despite his achievements, Malek remains modest about his success, saying: 'It's just not about me. I think it's about everybody else. I appreciate those grand moments – the respect you gain from your peers, from the world and from the audience. But I just want to give. And because of that, I've wanted to see what I could do in this business beyond acting for quite some time.' Malek is next set to appear in Nuremberg, a historical drama directed by James Vanderbilt and based on the book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai. The film, also starring Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon, Richard E Grant and Colin Hanks, is due for release later this year.
Digital Trends
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
3 underrated Netflix shows you should watch this weekend (May 30-June 1)
If you've ever wasted hours scrolling through Netflix looking for the perfect show to watch, you should know that you're not alone. It can be difficult to find exactly the right thing. Some shows are too long and don't have the right tone or vibe. Then, you wind up hoping to find something better. We've taken all the guesswork out of picking something to watch, though. With this list, we've picked three underrated shows with different tones and lengths, each of which is available on Netflix right now. You should check them out. Recommended Videos Need more recommendations? Then check out the best new shows to stream this week, as well as the best shows on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, the best shows on Amazon Prime Video, the best shows on Max, and the best shows on Disney+. Gangs of London (2020-) Everyone loves a gangster show, and Gangs of London is one of the best. The series follows a group of international crime families who converge on London in the aftermath of the assassination of a hugely powerful figure in the city's underworld. Although it's a sprawling story over three seasons, Gangs of London has also featured the kind of tension and action that few series can generate. That's likely thanks, at least in part, to the influence of Gareth Evans. However, it's also a function of the fast-paced writing of the series, which has continued to build momentum each season. You can watch Gangs of London on Netflix. The Pacific (2010) This less widely heralded younger brother of Band of Brothers is no less an accomplishment than the original series. The show is set in the Pacific Theater during World War II. It follows the lives of three soldiers as they battle their way across the Pacific during the entire war. With the backing of Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, no expense was spared in the recreation of some of the most important battles of the war, but what's remarkable about The Pacific is how much time the show takes to remind us how young the men fighting this war were and how much it changed the course of their lives. You can watch The Pacific on Netflix. Supernatural (2005-2020) One of the longest-running shows in the history of sci-fi television, Supernatural went through many phases of life over the course of its 15 years on the air. At its core, the show was always about two brothers hunting monsters and fighting for each other no matter what life threw at them. Part of the show's brilliance comes from the way that circumstances around these two might change, but their personalities remain the same. No show can run for 15 years without being a great watch, and that's exactly what Supernatural is. You can watch Supernatural on Netflix.
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Film legend who produced Australia's first kangaroo horror movie starring The Terminator actor dies in shock accident at 42
Legendary Australian film identity Liz Tomkins died on Monday in a road accident, just days after stepping down from her role as chair at Women in Film and Television. The news of her sudden death at just 42 has sent shockwaves through the Australian screen community, leaving many mourning the loss of a dedicated leader. Throughout her celebrated career, Tomkins worked as a film producer, advocate, bookkeeper, production manager and general all-rounder. The Queensland-born producer also worked with many renowned Australian actors, including Home and Away star Tess Haubrich and Stingers' Brett Whittingham. WIFT announced the heartbreaking news of her death in a social media statement. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce today the sudden passing of our colleague, former Chair, and friend Liz Tomkins on Monday,' they began. 'The Australian screen community has lost a shining light, an inspirational and dynamic leader, and a wonderful human being whose legacy will endure for generations to come.' Tomkins made significant contributions to the Australian film sector in the two decades she spent working in it. She helped shape many acclaimed productions including Steven Spielberg's Australian-filmed 2010 mini-series The Pacific, the science fiction show Terra Nova and the Doctor Who spin-off K9. Her final work was as co-producer of the 2024 Australian kangaroo horror movie Rippy, featuring The Terminator star Michael Biehn and Home and Away's Tess Haubrich. During her three-year tenure as Chair of WIFT Australia, Tomkins helped the organisation make strides in promoting opportunities for women in showbusiness. She relocated to North America for several years in the early 2020s to work for the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce, to help promote and develop joint productions with Australia. According to a statement from WIFT, Liz's leadership was marked by 'infectious energy, enthusiasm, and unwavering pride,' which contributed to unprecedented growth and impact on the organisation. She had stepped down from her position at WIFT just one week before her death. Many of Tomkins' former industry colleagues took to social media to pay tribute to her. 'Such a terrible tragedy. Liz had such a massive heart and will be deeply missed,' wrote TV director Helena Brooks. 'I'm so shocked this morning to hear that sad news,' added motion capture actress Silvia Gaillard. 'So so sad. Such a soft, hard working, and brave woman,' added Rippy actress Mara Jean Quinn. Tomkins is survived by her parents and brother.
7NEWS
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Australian film and TV worlds mourning death of Liz Tomkins
The former chair of Women in Film and Television (WIFT) has died just a week after stepping down from her role. Liz Tomkins, 42, was killed in a car accident on Monday, just six days after leaving the post she had occupied for three years. 'It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce today the sudden passing of our colleague, former Chair, and friend Liz Tomkins on Monday 26 May 2025,' an Instagram post from WIFT read.'The Australian screen community has lost a shining light, an inspirational and dynamic leader, and a wonderful human being whose legacy will endure for generations to come.' Tomkins moved into the film industry in 2007 and worked on several highly regarded productions including Dr Who spin-off K9 and visionary director Steven Spielberg's 2010 mini-series The Pacific. 'Over her three transformative years as Chair of WIFT Australia, Liz waved the WIFT banner with infectious energy, enthusiasm, and unwavering pride. Her foresight and 'let's get it done' attitude fundamentally pushed forward our organisation, taking us from strength to strength,' a statement from WIFT read. 'Under Liz's exceptional stewardship, WIFT Australia achieved unprecedented growth and impact. 'Beyond her remarkable professional achievements, those who knew Liz remember her generous, kind, and supportive nature. She had a heart for community and connection with an incredible ability to make people feel welcomed, nurtured, and inspired, whether they were new board members, members returning to the industry after a hiatus, or emerging talents seeking guidance.' Details about a memorial service are expected in the coming days.
West Australian
26-05-2025
- West Australian
WA's top botanist goes to ‘heaven' and wins gold at Chelsea Flower Show with local flower
As Queen Camilla walked around the Chelsea Flower Show in London this week, she was particularly taken with the sight of a striking blue sun orchid, attributed to renowned Perth botanist and Waroona local, Kingsley Dixon. Its appearance at the world-famous flower show was remarkable for a number of reasons. It was the first time native Australian bushland orchids had been displayed at the show, and it was only possible due to a months-long international collaboration which nearly came unstuck at the last minute. Professor Dixon played an integral role in the Orchids in the Wild – The Orchids of Asia and The Pacific exhibit which won a gold medal at the prestigious show. The exhibit, a partnership of more than 25 global institutions including the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens and the University of WA where Professor Dixon is professor of Botany, displayed orchids from Hong Kong, South China, Singapore, Hawaii and Australia. The blue sun orchid flowers in Australia between September and December, meaning months of planning and help from a contact of Professor Dixon's in Germany were required to make the display possible. While the plants couldn't be transported from Australia due to the differing seasons, his friend in Germany happened to have some on hand and after months of paperwork and preparation, they were flown to London late last week. 'It was on a knife edge, there was paperwork and road blocks, it wasn't for the faint-hearted. It was like the plant Olympics,' Professor Dixon said. 'The display looked beautiful, it was amazing, we managed to get hold of some native plants and sand, and it looked just like WA's landscape. 'It was wonderful to win the gold, and Camilla was quite taken with the West Australian plants, she spent quite a lot of time looking at them.' Professor Dixon said the blue orchids which 'bewitched' the British public with their dazzling colour were a fairly common sight when travelling through the jarrah forests near Waroona and Harvey. 'We take our extraordinary bushland for granted, we take our plants for granted; even simple things like this orchid are bewilderingly wonderful to the world,' he said. Alongside the impressive orchid, the display showcased banksia cones opened by the terrible bushfire which ripped through his renowned garden at Cypress Farm in Waroona last year. 'They were a smash hit, people thought, 'what are these?' and then you tell the story and even the relic of a terrible fire was absolutely fascinating,' Professor Dixon said. 'They are sitting on centre stage, being looked at by the king and queen — from Waroona to Royalty.' It was the professor's first time exhibiting at the prestigious event, and only his second time at the show overall. For a botanist being around the displays was akin to 'going to heaven,' he said. Waroona shire president Mike Walmsley said he was deeply impressed with Professor Dixon taking the gold at the competition. 'We're very proud he's been able to put little old Waroona on the global stage,' Cr Walmsley said. 'It's lovely that there's some small parts of our bit of the world have made it onto the world stage and managed to get gold.'
