Meet Ahmad Zalan | Ahmad Zalan | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ahmad Zalan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ahmad, what do you want people to remember about you?
am a human being with a humble character who has a slogan of “simple artistic work but an outstanding one”. I always strive for perfection, though it may not be possible sometimes. I tremendously love acting, so I hope my legacy inspires new actors, much like me, to embark on their journey in the world of performing arts. Instead of settling for jobs they don’t enjoy, just for the sake of a stable salary, I encourage them to pursue their passion and follow their dreams.   In the recent past, I took my own courageous decision to make a tough choice at the age of 19, leaving everything behind, quitting my job, and moving to Los Angeles to study acting. It was a pivotal moment in my life. I encourage young and ambitious students to understand that they can also make bold decisions, irrespective of age or circumstances. It’s not just about acting; it’s about having the courage to pursue what they truly want. If I could take that leap of faith and make it happen, so you can. Don’t let fear hold you back—take that step with faith, step into the unknown, and start creating the life you envision for yourself.
What I hope people remember about me is that I made a meaningful impact on the world. I don’t want my funeral to be just another event where people gather, mourn, and then go back to their lives. I aspire to be remembered by not only those who know me intimately but by the entire world. I want to leave a legacy that lasts for generations, where my name, Ahmad Zalan, is associated with positive change.
I’m not seeking fame or Hollywood stardom just for the sake of it. I remember a wise person advising me that if I’m pursuing acting in Hollywood solely for money or fame, I should stay where I am because it won’t lead to success. Since the moment I decided to come to Los Angeles, my goal has been simple—I want to be myself, with my own character “Ahmad”. I want people to see and remember me for who I truly am, not for pretending to be someone else just to please others. My desire is to make a genuine impact that resonates with people, leaving a lasting imprint on this generation and the ones that follow, extending until the end of time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from the rest? It’s an unyielding belief in myself, an unshakable trust that, armed with ambition and talent, I can turn any vision into reality. For me, ambition isn’t just a spark—it’s a roaring flame that can conquer any challenge. In my world, ambition trumps talent, and with this mindset, I believe I can defy any odds and leave an indelible mark on the world. What makes me proudest is not just my journey but my resilience in the face of adversity. Taking that audacious leap to leave everything behind, navigating through challenges, and relentlessly pushing forward to become the best version of myself. The path to my current standing wasn’t paved with ease. I sacrificed, worked in a job that couldn’t contain my aspirations, and saved diligently to chase my dreams.
As a former manager at McDonald’s, leaving a secure position wasn’t an easy decision. Yet, the pursuit of my passion for acting propelled me forward. Convincing my family, especially being the youngest, was an uphill battle, but their eventual support allowed me to embark on this arduous journey in the US.
The lessons learned along the way are invaluable—don’t rush the process, let it unfold naturally. Being authentic is key; trying to be someone else is futile. You are beautiful and amazing just as you are; embrace it.
So, here’s my declaration to the world: I am Ahmad Zalan, and one day, I’m gonna make a difference believe me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
“Here’s a wild twist to my story: back in our teenage days, my buddies and I were hardcore into playing GTA V. Fast forward to when I landed in LA, and it hit me—it’s like stepping into the real-life game! I promised my pals that when they join me, I’ll take them on a mind-blowing tour.

First stop? Griffith Observatory, soaking in those GTA vibes. Then, it’s the Hollywood sign, living out our virtual adventures for real. We’ll hit up the Santa Monica Pier for some real-life fun, ride the waves of nostalgia.
And of course, a feast at Dan Sung Sa in Koreatown, my ultimate go-to spot.
But wait, the excitement doesn’t end there. A trip to Universal Studios for a tour that’ll blow their minds. We’ll capture epic memories at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, filling our Instagram with jaw-dropping pics.
After all the LA hotspots, it’s time to chill. Sunset and sunrise watching, a couple of days just unwinding and soaking up the good life. Because when you’re in LA, it’s not just about the places, it’s about living the epic adventure.”

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family for being unwavering pillars of support throughout my journey. In the environment where I come from, pursuing acting was not conventional, and few appreciated its value. Convincing my family that acting was my true calling was a pivotal moment, and their unyielding support meant the world to me. In the face of skepticism from others who couldn’t fathom my decision to become an actor, my family stood by me, never letting me down. While many questioned and even laughed at my choice, my family’s belief in me drowned out the external noise. Their encouragement allowed me to pursue my passion despite the naysayers. In moments when others dismissed my dreams as impractical, my family’s support served as a powerful motivator. I will always remember and cherish how they stood with me, fostering an environment where I could follow my heart and pursue what I love. Their support was a beacon of strength that enabled me to embark on this challenging yet fulfilling journey into the world of acting.”

When I arrived in LA, it felt like an entirely new world—everything was different, and I didn’t know a soul. Starting my acting classes changed that. I met this guy, Sebastian Alvarado Perdomo, and from the moment we connected, I sensed we’d become great friends. As our friendship grew, he became a significant part of my life, teaching me valuable lessons. Sebastian played a big brother role, and I’ll forever cherish the knowledge he shared. I’m grateful for his impact on my journey, and I’ll always hold him dear.

Website: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm15701047?ref_=nm_nv_usr_profile

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahmadzalan_?igsh=bDRqbXRvdnloZXRp&utm_source=qr

Other: TikTok: @ahmadzalan_ Instagram: ahmadzalan_

Image Credits
Nick Naraghi Gionatan Tecle Nikita