Hisham Tawfiq Biography: Wife, Age, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Movies & TV Shows

Hisham Tawfiq is an American actor, retired FDNY firefighter, and former U.S. Marine best known for his long-running role as Dembe Zuma on NBC’s The Blacklist.

Raised in Harlem with a deep connection to his Muslim faith and community service, he transitioned from public service and law enforcement backgrounds into acting, bringing authenticity and gravitas to his performances in television and film.

Hisham Tawfiq
Wiki Facts & About Data
Name:	Hisham Tawfiq
Born:	17 May 1970 (age 56 years old)
Place of Birth:	New York, New York
Nationality:	American
Ethnicity:	African American
Height:	1.8 m
Religion:	Islam
Parents:	Mr. and Mrs. Tawfiq
Spouse:	Spirit Tawfiq
Relationship:	Married
Occupation:	Actor
Net Worth:	$1–3 million

Early Life and Education

Hisham Tawfiq came into the world on May 17, 1970, in New York City to parents referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Tawfiq, with his father serving as an imam who founded a mosque in Harlem. He was raised in a tight-knit African American Muslim community, while details about any siblings are not publicly known.

Tawfiq studied at the Negro Ensemble Theatre Company and later pursued higher education, including studies that supported his path into public service. He is of African American origin and practices Islam.

Career

Hisham Tawfiq began his professional life with service in the United States Marine Corps, followed by work as a corrections officer and nearly two decades as a firefighter with the New York City Fire Department. He nurtured his acting ambitions through training at the Negro Ensemble Theatre Company while balancing these demanding roles.

His early screen appearances included guest spots on series like Law & Order spin-offs, 30 Rock, and Golden Boy.

Tawfiq achieved widespread recognition as Dembe Zuma, the loyal associate and protector to James Spader‘s character on The Blacklist, a role he has portrayed since the series premiere.

He has also appeared in films such as Jinn (2018), Five Minarets in New York (2010), Gun Hill (2014), and others. Known for advocating authentic Muslim representation, Tawfiq continues to work in television and film while engaging in community and motivational speaking.

Social Media

• Instagram: @hishamtawfiq
• Twitter/X: @HISHAMTAWFIQ

Personal Life

Hisham Tawfiq, 56 years old and 1.8 m tall, is married to Spirit Tawfiq. The couple keeps much of their family life private, with limited public details available about their children.

Tawfiq often speaks about the importance of faith, community, and service, values shaped by his Harlem upbringing and career in public safety.

Net Worth

Hisham Tawfiq has an estimated net worth of $1–3 million. His earnings primarily came from his long tenure with the FDNY, followed by prominent acting roles on a major network series and additional film and television work.

Filmography

• Five Minarets in New York (2010)
• Gun Hill (2014)
• Jinn (2018)
• The Blacklist (2013–present)
• Maya & Her Lover

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