Meet Sue Shaheen | Actor & Writer

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

Hi Sue, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As a female Arab actor in Hollywood, who moved across the world, I think “risk-taking” is my middle name! haha! Moving from Egypt to Los Angeles was a massive risk in itself – a complete uprooting, culturally, professionally, everything. But I knew that staying within my comfort zone wouldn’t allow me to pursue my dreams. So, I embraced the unknown.

Risk-taking has been absolutely crucial in my journey. It meant saying “yes” to auditions that terrified me, playing characters that stretched me beyond what I thought I was capable of, and advocating for myself even when it felt daunting. It also meant saying “no” to roles that didn’t align with my values or the kind of representation I want to see. That can be a risk too, turning down potentially high-profile work.

Sometimes, the risks pay off immediately. Sometimes, they pave the way for future opportunities you couldn’t have predicted. Ultimately, I think the biggest risk is not taking any risks at all. So, yeah, risk-taking? It’s definitely a part of who I am.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m incredibly fortunate to be a SAG-AFTRA actor, with appearances on shows like NCIS: Los Angeles, Love, Victor, and True Story with Ed & Randall, among others. My comedy foundation comes from studying sketch comedy and improvisation at The Second City Conservatory, which led to a three-year stint as a performer and writer with their house ensemble, “Party Boat”.
One of the most artistically fulfilling experiences of my career so far was making my off-Broadway debut, starring in the original play BANNED at Theatre Row in New York. Beyond acting, I’m a writer, I sing, and I love to draw and paint. For me, it’s all about storytelling, and I love exploring it through different mediums.

Navigating two distinct cultures has given me a perspective that I cherish. I’m most proud of my resilience and my willingness to take risks, both personally and professionally. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but the challenges have shaped me.

Getting to where I am today has been a combination of hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck. There have been countless auditions, rejections, and moments of self-doubt. But I’ve learned to view those challenges as opportunities for growth. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of community. Connecting with other artists, especially those from the Arab and MENA region, has been essential. We support each other, celebrate each other’s wins, and work together for better representation.

What I want the world to know about me is that I’m passionate about telling stories that matter. Stories that reflect the diversity of our world, challenge perceptions, and connect us on a human level. I’m committed to using my platform to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and to create positive change. My journey is still unfolding, but I’m excited for what the future holds and grateful for every step along the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My ideal LA adventure begins at the iconic Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. It’s a special place for me – my first LA home, actually – and the perfect spot to start my best friend Layla’s visit. We’d relax by the pool, catching up over delicious mezcal mules, soaking in the old Hollywood glamour. Afterwards, a short stroll across the street takes us to the Magic Castle for an unforgettable dinner. Think dressing up, mind-blowing magic shows, exploring the castle, and fantastic food – it’s a quintessential LA experience.

For our beach day, we’d kick things off with breakfast at the best spot, Breakfast by Salt’s Cure, before heading to Malibu and specifically Paradise Cove for some sun, sand, and delicious Bloody Marys. Later, we’d return to West Hollywood for dinner and expertly crafted Old Fashioneds at Laurel Hardware.

Shopping would be a two-part affair. First, Larchmont Village: browsing perfumes at The Scent Room, indulging in those amazing Swedish cardamom buns at Clark Street, and treating ourselves to facials at Skin Laundry. If it’s a Sunday or Wednesday, the Larchmont Farmers Market is a must – it has everything from jewelry and art to organic produce (gotta cook sometime!). Our second shopping trip starts at my local favorite, Javista on Sunset Blvd., where I’d introduce my friend to her Chagaccino. Then, it’s off to The Grove, building anticipation for dinner…my absolute favorite: lasagna at Angelini Osteria on Beverly Blvd. The perfect end to a shopping day.

There’s just so much to do in LA! Hiking Fryman Canyon or near the Hollywood sign, exploring LACMA, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and The Getty, and catching a play at The Geffen Playhouse are all on the list. For a night out, I’d take her to a jazz show at Black Rabbit Rose on Hollywood Blvd. And because my best friend is a die-hard rock fan, we’re definitely hitting the legendary Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go, and The Roxy. We’d cap off the night by paying our respects to the statue of Lemmy, founder of the band Motörhead at The Rainbow Bar and Grill.

My favorite bars include Good Housekeeping in Highland Park (a cool, dimly lit speakeasy), Grandmaster Recorders (a historic recording studio turned rooftop bar with a dance club downstairs and a Restaurant!), and Laurel Tavern for their craft beer selection. Coffee shops I love are Yala Coffee in Studio City and Sightglass in Hollywood. Restaurant must-tries: The Little Door, KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar, Osteria Mozza, and the legendary Mi Teresita Taco Truck on Western and Lexington.

Towards the end of her trip, I’d introduce her to my favorite workout spot, Pharos Athletic Club in Echo Park. It has an amazing vibe and offers everything from a fully equipped gym and a wide range of classes to on-site massage, so she’ll definitely enjoy it. The staff is wonderful, too.

On her last day, we’d take it easy with a walk around the Hollywood Reservoir. And before heading to LAX, a mandatory In-N-Out Burger stop – the perfect LA send-off.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother, Asmahan Tawfiq, is a force of nature. A renowned actress and writer in the Middle East, she’s the bedrock of my dreams. Honestly, I wouldn’t be pursuing them if it weren’t for her. I constantly strive to emulate her strength and resilience as a woman, and as an actress, she’s my biggest inspiration. She pushes me to work harder, to constantly hone my craft and refine my technique. My love for theatre, that’s all because of her. She’s not just a great mom, she’s also the best cook I know, beast of an actress, and she’s effortlessly cool.

I also want to acknowledge my late father, Moustafa Abdel Wahab. He was an esteemed fine artist who instilled in me the importance of thinking outside the box, embracing creativity, and even viewing mistakes as opportunities – little presents, as he called them. He was truly ahead of his time and his environment. I feel so blessed to have grown up surrounded by the artistry of both my parents. I always say, I hope I have my mother’s presence and my father’s charisma, I’d be set for life!

Instagram: @therealsueshaheen

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-shaheen-275032337/

IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm5016296/?ref_=nm_mv_close

Image Credits
Personal / 1st photo, photo taken by:
Emily Sandifer

2nd photo, was taken at the Asian World Film Festival by: Grant Terzakis

3rd photo, photo taken by:
Emily Sandifer

4th photo, a still shoot from— NCIS: Los Angeles

5th photo, a still shoot from— Love, Victor

6th & 7th photos, taken by:
Emily Sandifer

8th photo: feature film jury members at the Asian World Film Festival

9th photo, still shoot from— Original off-Broadway play: Banned