According to “FBI” star Zico Zaki, it’s no longer shocking that an Arab-American Muslim is the main character on a TV show. “Of course, that was the goal, but at the same time it’s still just me,” he told reporters at the Monte Carlo Television Festival.
“There’s still a bigger fight over representation on television. And there’s still a bigger fight over balance in the world as a whole.”
Playing an FBI agent comes with responsibility, he said.
“I was invited to speak to the FBI. These agents are in constant contact with us and we know they approve of our show. We’re doing it in a way that’s authentic enough that the real FBI is a fan of the show.”
He added, “What’s interesting about our show is that we’re the only outlet to the FBI. The FBI doesn’t post videos on Instagram, and kids don’t see what their parents do at work. This outlet happens every Monday at 8 p.m. on CBS.”
It is important to represent them properly and keep abreast of the ever-changing world, he argued.
“I take it very seriously. Physically, emotionally, mentally. We’re stepping into a part of the series right now where I’m showing a little bit of weakness. You’re going to see me getting beaten up. It’s not necessarily this ‘hero’ thing,” he noted.
“The last episode we shot, my first line was: ‘It’s a total mess. Things weren’t this bad when we signed on.’ We’re dealing with biochemistry, AI, and drones. It feels like we’re rapidly moving into this new realm of horror. But the important thing is that these writers are taking inspiration from real life.”
Would “FBI” and “Law & Order” producer Dick Wolf consider making a show about ICE?
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but the birth of ICE is controversial. I also think it’s probably too new. I don’t know if ICE will exist in the next generation, but Dick isn’t thinking about it now. He’s thinking about the show being ripped to TV in 40 years.”
When Zaki first got the role, he had $300 left and was considering a career in real estate.
“I was watching ‘Property Brothers’ and I was looking for a career that would make me the most money with the least amount of schooling to help my parents,” he recalled.
“Then I sat down with the CBS executives and asked them, ‘Are you coming back next year?!’ They were like, ‘Why are you stressing about this?’ The show is going well, everything is great. ”But at the end I believed it would last 10 years – just for self-preservation. ”
Now he finally has enough free time to think about the future.
“Look at what Mariska (Hargitay) has done for 27 seasons[of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]. She’s doing charity work. When you look at that, you wonder how she can help us.”
Developing “untold” stories, as well as starting his own production company, may just be the answer.
“That’s definitely the goal. No matter what happens, I’m really excited to be with Dick Wolf for probably my entire career. We expressed that to each other. I’m a loyal team player, but it’s great to see what other actors can do while being part of a team.”
He added, “I come from a world where I’ve seen people’s careers start and end like this. I still want to keep it as secret as possible because I believe in the evil eye. I avoid social media and really enjoy staying out of the public eye. I like the idea of giving viewers the experience of only seeing me when the TV is on.”
“If you’re making TikTok, you’re not working. You’re not doing anything that you’re paid to do. I’m going to post about the show, but I’m not going to post a toast in the morning. When people tell me I’ve watched eight hours on my phone, I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?! That’s crazy.'”
