Big Zee has made it big on our screens in Ramadan 2021 and we wanted to get to know the man behind it all. Adam El Sharkawy has caught Egypt’s attention with his role Big Zee in Leabet Newton. Everyone is psyched to see what he is going for next.
We’ve had the pleasure of doing a one on one interview to ask him what the audience is dying to know and he was happy to answer everything. Adam El Sharkawy Leabet Newton
By Mariam Elhamy
How does it feel to be back in Egypt after such a long time?
It feels great! I feel like I belong in Egypt. For the first time in my life I feel like I fit in so yeah, I love being back in Egypt.
What was it like playing alongside Mona Zaki?
I love Mona Zaki. She helped me so much, even during the audition process she would correct my Arabic. If you had seen me the first day, my Arabic was really terrible! I love acting alongside her, she’s so nice and sweet and she was a huge help to me.
How did you land the role in Leabet Newton?
I did a film in America and the casting director of Leabet Newton saw it and she knew a friend of mine so she brought me in to audition for Big Zee who was called Big Mo at the time.
I went for the audition but I can’t even begin to explain how bad my Arabic was. Originally I was supposed to play Luca, who steals the medicines from Big Zee’s house, but when I arrived to Egypt and met Mr Tamer Mohsen and Mrs Mona Zaki they asked me to try again for Big Zee and Mona helped me so much for the second audition by correcting my words. She’s a legend and she’s such a great actress that she was able to pick up my Arabic easily.
To what extent was this role like you in real life?
I relate very much because Big Zee is so close to me. An Egyptian who travels to America when he was a kid and rejects the Egyptian culture then circumstances make him go back to Egypt. It’s the exact same story of my life so it was easy for me to tap into.
What was the hardest thing about this role?
The hardest thing for sure was the Arabic. Sometimes I would say words that I didn’t understand but having Mr Tamer, Mona Zaki and Mohamed Farrag was reassuring.
Which was your favorite scene?
Any scene with Farrag was one of my favorite scenes. Farrag is amazing, he’s such a good actor and we had great chemistry. He brings such an intensity to the role. Farrag as a person is really nice and funny, he laughs and moves a lot like me, we both move around a lot in the set. Adam El Sharkawy Leabet Newton
I especially enjoyed the one where I was behind the door and he was trying to get in. I love the memes that were made about this scene they’re really funny!
Tell us about your earlier work
I did a couple of films, I think what got me the role in Leabet Newton was Lowlow, I played a role that’s a bit like Big Zee. A lover boy with no future who lives in America, he has a girlfriend who’s smart and wants to go to college but he tries to do anything to make her stay with him.
Have you always wanted to do an Egyptian show?
It never crossed my mind, I didn’t think that I could travel to Egypt to film a show but now that I did I see the value very much and now my goals are bigger.
What is next on your agenda?
Everything is in the air for now because I’m up for some projects in America and for sure I’d like to do some projects here so we’ll see but ideally I would love to work here and there. I don’t mind coming to Egypt every year to film something.
Quickfire round:
What does your perfect weekend look like?
It will definitely have a lot of sleep. I’m a Leo so I sleep a lot! Could also be a nice brunch with my friends under the sun then we could play games or just talk and I love to go to bed early because I just love to sleep. Adam El Sharkawy Leabet Newton
What other hobbies do you enjoy doing?
I love being athletic and playing sports a lot. So if I’m not in acting class, writing or working on film you’ll find me outside playing American football, basketball or going to the gym.
Who is your celebrity crush?
When I was young it was Emma Watson from Harry Potter.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People asking me too many questions and repeating the questions in different ways.
What’s your annoying habit?
I bite my nails a lot.
If you weren’t acting, what would you be up to right now?
I could be a coach or doing anything related to sports.
What is your favorite movie? Song? Holiday? Food? Halloween costume?
- Troy
- 95 South by J Cole
- Every day is a holiday
- I’m very simple with food I like rice, meat and veggies but my favorite Egyptian food is definitely koshari
- Every year for Halloween I dress up as a football player but my favorite time was when I was a pharaoh, it was so good
What is your biggest/weirdest fear?
I have a fear of failure but I over-prepare so I don’t look stupid in front of the camera.
What would be your superpower?
Psychic abilities, to be able to get people to do whatever I want.
What pet would you love to have?
A Rottweiler or a Pitbull.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
Ordinary Life by The Weeknd.
What would you name your boat if you had one?
I’d name it after my mom and dad I’m very lucky to have them as parents.
What’s the weirdest question you’ve been asked?
I’ve been asked to marry people a lot but it’s still early for me.
What’s your horoscope sign?
I’m a Leo Cancer. I was born on the 23rd of July.
