Adel Al Ansari graduated from Qatar University with a degree in architecture, before continuing his education and obtaining a degree in history from the Beirut Arab University in Lebanon. He appeared on TV for the first time when he was 5 years old in a children’s show called ‘Ya Hala’, which was presented on Qatar TV. Following this, he starred in the play ‘Who Finally Laughs’ at the Doha Players’ Theatre, before going back to TV and ‘Dohat Al Asdika’ (‘Garden of Friends’), which ran for 9 years on a local channel. Adel has continued his love of acting by starring in numerous plays and TV series. A personal high for him was playing the main character for the Opening Ceremony of the 15th Asian Games, which took place in Qatar in December 2006. He was also selected as the Ambassador for the QNB (Qatar National Bank) commercials for 2 years. For a full bio and portfolio, please view his website.

DFI: You started acting when you were 5 years old. What made you decide to start acting, and what made you continue?
Adel: I started at the age of 5 because it was fun and brought me joy. After my first acting role, I felt as if there was something magical in it and I knew that this was exactly what I wanted to keep doing. There’s something in acting that captures me and makes me want to improve myself.

DFI: Where, in your opinion, is a good place to start acting?
Adel: Honestly, at the moment, Doha is as good a place as any to start, as it is open and welcoming to young and upcoming actors. I wish it had been like this earlier, but it’s never too late! There are lots of very talented people that need support, and Qatar is doing a great job in this regard.

DFI: Displaying your versatility, you’ve acted in TV series, advertisements and the theatre. Do you have a personal preference?
Adel: They all have their merits and each gives its own kind of pleasure. I have enjoyed working on all of the projects I have participated in so far, and feel that I have learnt from every experience and matured along with it.

DFI: What do you feel are the skills required by an actor? How do you develop yourself?
Adel: Actors should have the capability of personifying any character. They should be at one with the character they’re playing, while adding just a little bit of themselves. They should make each character their own. Take the role of Heathcliff, for instance, in ‘Wuthering Heights’: many actors have played the role, and the majority of them have been able to make this role theirs. That is the secret ingredient to being a great actor. That’s my method, although I’m sure other actors have different approaches for their own characters. What matters the most is to find a deep understanding of it.

DFI: You only act part time. Is this related to the lack of work for actors within the region, or is it a personal choice that you have made?
Adel: I want to help the new generation of young actors that supersede my own capabilities and accomplishments. To have a job on the side is a must, as everyone has to survive! Luckily for me, however, I don’t need to rush into accepting every acting job offered – I’d rather take my time in selecting what suits me. You have to make quality concessions in playing any role. I don’t want to be part of this category. So answering your question, yes, it is a personal choice.

DFI: What roles attract you the most?
Adel: I like roles that have 3 dimensions, that show the actor’s abilities and talents, and that have a purpose. At the same time, I like roles you can mould into something more.

DFI: What are the challenges you feel you have faced as an Arab actor in the GCC?
Adel: The fact that most of the time people succeed based on who they are – or who they know – and not based on their actual talent, is an ever-present problem. Aside from this, acting can be difficult to maintain as a full time job within this region. To make it as an actor requires a lot of effort.

DFI: What are your hopes for actors in the Middle East? And do you see yourself, or other Middle Eastern actors, moving into the international arena in terms of acting?
Adel: Actors in the Middle East have a big chance of working internationally because of their great talent. It is happening now; the world is slowly turning into a smaller village. The stereotypes of Arab roles are also being slightly improved, which is great. This is a step in the right direction, and of course it’s going to take some time, but we will soon see an Arab Oscar winning actor? Yes, I’m quite positive about that! And do I see myself as one of them? Well yes, why not!

DFI: What do you say to those who think that acting is not a career that should be pursued?
Adel: I know where this is coming from, and I faced a lot of it at the beginning of my career. People should know, however, that acting is a very hard profession to pursue, and it is a serious one. You will find plenty of rejection in the beginning, but given the opportunity you can shine like the star you are! If you want it, just aim for it.

DFI: You were the face of Qatar at the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Games in 2006. How would you describe this experience?
Adel: It was an honour to be representing Qatar, and I was absolutely thrilled that I was picked for such a glorious event. What makes it even more important is that it took place in my own country. It was a significant moment for me, and made me very proud.

Adel Al Ansari at the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Games in 2006.

DFI: What does acting mean to you?
Adel: It is a way to express myself artistically and emotionally.

DFI: Do you have any new projects coming up?
Adel: Actually, yes I do! I’d rather not talk about them before they see the light, though, so you’ll have to just wait and see…

DFI: What is your message to those who want to become an actor in the Arab world?
Adel: Believe in yourself and in your talent. Don’t give up, and always follow your dreams.