By Mike McCarthy
Photos Taken At The AKA Smyth Tribeca
85 W Broadway, New York, NY 10007
212.587.7000
Photos by Josh Lehrer Photography
Grooming by Crystal Carrero for Honey Artists
Story & Styling by Andrew Cristi
Assisted by Ashley Lane & Kathy Andres Hernandez
CBS has welcomed a new hit into their line-up with Tuesday nights smash sensation, “FBI,” and while incredible established talents such as Sela Ward, Jeremy Sisto, and Missy Peregrym are all adding to the magnificent magic that is helping legendary TV master Dick Wolf’s latest success sweep the ratings, it’s bright newcomer Zeeko Zaki that is helping to change the game and make the series unique to any other procedural ever done before.
Having already cut his teeth on action hits like “24: Legacy,” and “SIX,” the exciting rising star is no stranger to the world of programming involving men in uniform. But, while many shows and films that feature crime-fighting and world-saving in today’s media have a knack for featuring people of Arab descent as the enemy, Zaki and his heroic “FBI” character Omar Adom “OA” Zidan are breaking barriers and defying expectations by putting the talented actor as a lead and showing him on the constant right side of the law- a breakthrough that the charismatic star is thrilled about, and very proud to help bring to light.
With the world needing a refresher course on what a hero is and why people of all backgrounds deserve a chance to save the day, Zaki is eloquently helping to change the narrative of modern media, proving that Arab-Americans are not only not to be feared, but, they can also be the people that come to the rescue. A diamond in the rough for the media, the actor isn’t just playing an FBI agent on the show, but, he is also working as an agent of change for the world, cementing himself as one of the first heroes of his kind.
But, it’s not just the performer’s innovative stature on the show that is adding to its greatness, but, he is also immensely talented. Acting alongside greats such as Sisto, Peregrym, and the iconic multiple Emmy-winning Sela Ward could be intimidating for new actors, however, in Zaki’s case, he isn’t just holding his own alongside the heavy-hitters that he shares the screen with, he is also raising the bar and elevating every scene he’s in.
Knowing that “FBI” is only the beginning for this actor’s long career he has ahead of him, Wingman Magazine sat down with the CBS star to talk all about his new role, what it’s like working with his fantastic company, and ask him how he gets in such great shape! Read on to see what Zaki had to say!
WINGMAN: “FBI” premiered with strong ratings and has had high ratings since. This should come as no surprise, since it was created by the legendary Dick Wolf. What is it like working with the master of procedurals?
ZAKI: We were all hopeful that it would premiere well- the pilot was just so big. They pulled out all the stops. It was the most action-packed hour of TV I could ever imagine filming. The best part about working with Dick is knowing that if he approves, if he thinks it works, then it probably will. He is one of the people in the perceptual world that you know you can trust when it comes to making good television.
WINGMAN: What would you like to tell audiences that haven’t seen the show yet? What makes your character, OA, so special?
ZAKI: He is an Arab-American hero- and that’s something new on network television, so there is a new perspective to our show that I believe is worth giving a shot.
WINGMAN: What kind of research did you do in order to step into the shoes of an FBI agent?
ZAKI: I did a lot of research and watched a lot of documentaries, especially the one Dick produced last year called, “Inside the FBI: New York.” We also met with the real FBI, which helped a lot when it came to prepping for the role.
WINGMAN: What is it like being surrounded by such a great cast, such as Missy Peregrym, Jeremy Sisto, and Sela Ward?
ZAKI: This is my first lead role on a TV show, so, having a strong cast really creates a great space for me to learn and grow into this character.
WINGMAN: You get to play a good guy in the show and you are giving the media more heroes on TV in a time where viewers have really been fed a lot of anti-heroes and anti-villains. Is it refreshing to root for the good guy?
ZAKI: It is, and the best part is that we represent real heroes who are on the ground protecting us every day. 
WINGMAN: You stay in great shape. How do you train for this role?
ZAKI: For the past few years, being “ready” physically for whatever role came has been important to me. So when I got “FBI,” I was already in decent shape, but, since the pilot my training has definitely been amped up. I train an hour before every work day if I can, even if my call time is 6am.
WINGMAN: With a hot new show like “FBI,” you’re certainly on the rise. Who else would you love to work with, and what other roles would you love to play?
ZAKI: I’d love to play something out of this world. Maybe in space or the “Game of Thrones” type genre. Also, we get to have small moments of comedy on “FBI,” which is making me interested in doing a project with a bit more levity. It’s hard to live in these dark cases all the time. But, man, is it fun to play a detective and put these puzzles together every week.
Almost as fun as it is to watch! Check out Zaki as he continues to change the game on “FBI,” Tuesday nights at 10/9c, only on CBS.