Mena Massoud's Journey from Aladdin to Daniel

Preparing for a Disney Dream Role

The Challenges of Dancing in Aladdin

The Reality Behind Aladdin's Success

Lessons from Will Smith

The Dark Period After Aladdin

The Importance of Gratitude and

From Canada to Hollywood: Early Struggles

The Changing Landscape of Acting Roles

Egypt: Beyond the Tourist Attractions

Daniel: A Biblical Epic

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

The Hustle and Resilience of a Young Actor

The Scholarship Dilemma in Theater School

Navigating Social Media and Online

Cultural Identity and African Heritage

The Godfrey Game: Rapid-Fire Questions

Daniel the Fiery Furnace Movie Promotion

Closing Remarks and Cultural Exchange

Mena Massoud joins One54 Africa for a conversation about his Egyptian roots, growing up in Canada, and his journey from studying neuroscience at the University of Toronto to becoming the star of Disney’s Aladdin alongside Will Smith. The Egyptian-Canadian actor opens up about creating Dharma Gin with his wife, blending Egyptian and Indian cultural influences into their spirit, and sharing his favorite Egyptian foods.

Mena shares what it was like growing up in a predominantly white Canadian community, learning English through ESL, and navigating the cultural expectations of an immigrant family. He and Godfrey discuss the pressure to become a doctor, the shame associated with pursuing acting, and the difficult conversation with his parents after choosing theater school over neuroscience. He reflects on childhood trauma, self-doubt, people-pleasing, and the pressure to always be better, while exploring how those experiences shaped his career and personal growth.

Mena takes us behind the scenes of his breakout role as Aladdin, from booking Jack Ryan with John Krasinski to landing the Disney film after months of auditions. He reveals how theater school prepared him for singing, dancing, camel riding, and the underwater drowning scene, which helped save the production $200,000. He also discusses working with Will Smith, the reality of Aladdin grossing over $1 billion at the box office, and why that massive success did not translate into a massive payday.

The actor opens up about the dark place he experienced after Aladdin and how reconnecting with his love for acting helped him regain his confidence. He shares what it was like living in a closet in West Hollywood before booking Jack Ryan and Aladdin, navigating Hollywood as an Egyptian actor.

Mena also discusses his new biblical film, Daniel: The Fiery Furnace, his Coptic Christian upbringing, and the importance of standing up for your faith and identity. They explore Egyptian history, the pyramids, the diversity of Africa, and what it means to experience Egypt beyond the tourist attractions.

Mena Massoud joins One54 Africa for a conversation about his Egyptian roots, growing up in Canada, and his journey from studying neuroscience at the University of Toronto to becoming the star of Disney&rsquo;s Aladdin alongside Will Smith. The Egyptian-Canadian actor opens up about creating Dharma Gin with his wife, blending Egyptian and Indian cultural influences into their spirit, and sharing his favorite Egyptian foods.
Mena shares what it was like growing up in a predominantly white Canadian community, learning English through ESL, and navigating the cultural expectations of an immigrant family. He and Godfrey discuss the pressure to become a doctor, the shame associated with pursuing acting, and the difficult conversation with his parents after choosing theater school over neuroscience. He reflects on childhood trauma, self-doubt, people-pleasing, and the pressure to always be better, while exploring how those experiences shaped his career and personal growth.
Mena takes us behind the scenes of his breakout role as Aladdin, from booking Jack Ryan with John Krasinski to landing the Disney film after months of auditions. He reveals how theater school prepared him for singing, dancing, camel riding, and the underwater drowning scene, which helped save the production $200,000. He also discusses working with Will Smith, the reality of Aladdin grossing over $1 billion at the box office, and why that massive success did not translate into a massive payday.
The actor opens up about the dark place he experienced after Aladdin and how reconnecting with his love for acting helped him regain his confidence. He shares what it was like living in a closet in West Hollywood before booking Jack Ryan and Aladdin, navigating Hollywood as an Egyptian actor.
Mena also discusses his new biblical film, Daniel: The Fiery Furnace, his Coptic Christian upbringing, and the importance of standing up for your faith and identity. They explore Egyptian history, the pyramids, the diversity of Africa, and what it means to experience Egypt beyond the tourist attractions.

One54, hosted by Akbar and Godfrey, is a first of its kind podcast spotlighting the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, this podcast reveals the challenges and culture clashes of growing up African in America.

Akbar Gbajabiamila is a former NFL player, sports analyst, and television host best known for co-hosting American Ninja Warrior and CBS' The Talk. Proud of his Nigerian heritage, he brings a dynamic presence to media, blending his athletic background with insightful commentary and a deep connection to his roots.

Godfrey Daneschmah is a comedian and actor who's resume spans over 30 years and known for his sharp wit, spot-on impressions, and energetic stand-up performances. Drawing from his Nigerian heritage, he infuses cultural insight into his comedy, making him a standout voice in the entertainment industry.

One54 - Celebrating Africa’s 54 Countries, One Story At A Time

One54, hosted by Akbar and Godfrey, is a first of its kind podcast spotlighting the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, this podcast reveals the challenges and culture clashes of growing up African in America. Akbar Gbajabiamila is a former NFL player, sports analyst, and television host best known for co-hosting American Ninja Warrior and CBS' The Talk. Proud of his Nigerian heritage, he brings a dynamic presence to media, blending his athletic background with insightful commentary and a deep connection to his roots. Godfrey Daneschmah is a comedian and actor who's resume spans over 30 years and known for his sharp wit, spot-on impressions, and energetic stand-up performances. Drawing from his Nigerian heritage, he infuses cultural insight into his comedy, making him a standout voice in the entertainment industry. One54 - Celebrating Africa’s 54 Countries, One Story At A Time

One54, hosted by Akbar and Godfrey, is a first of its kind podcast spotlighting the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, this podcast reveals the challenges and culture clashes of...

One 54 Podcast

One54, hosted by Akbar and Godfrey, is a first of its kind podcast spotlighting the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, this podcast reveals the challenges and culture clashes of growing up African in America.

Akbar Gbajabiamila is a former NFL player, sports analyst, and television host best known for co-hosting American Ninja Warrior and CBS' The Talk. Proud of his Nigerian heritage, he brings a dynamic presence to media, blending his athletic background with insightful commentary and a deep connection to his roots.

Godfrey Danchimah is a comedian and actor who's resume spans over 30 years and known for his sharp wit, spot-on impressions, and energetic stand-up performances. Drawing from his Nigerian heritage, he infuses cultural insight into his comedy, making him a standout voice in the entertainment industry.

One54 - Celebrating Africa’s 54 Countries, One Story At A Time 

One54, hosted by Akbar and Godfrey, is a first of its kind podcast spotlighting the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, this podcast reveals the challenges and culture clashes of growing up African in America. Akbar Gbajabiamila is a former NFL player, sports analyst, and television host best known for co-hosting American Ninja Warrior and CBS' The Talk. Proud of his Nigerian heritage, he brings a dynamic presence to media, blending his athletic background with insightful commentary and a deep connection to his roots. Godfrey Danchimah is a comedian and actor who's resume spans over 30 years and known for his sharp wit, spot-on impressions, and energetic stand-up performances. Drawing from his Nigerian heritage, he infuses cultural insight into his comedy, making him a standout voice in the entertainment industry. One54 - Celebrating Africa&rsquo;s 54 Countries, One Story At A Time&nbsp;

Mena Massoud joins One54 Africa for a conversation about his Egyptian roots, growing up in Canada, and his journey from studying neuroscience at the University of Toronto to becoming the star of Disney’s Aladdin alongside Will Smith. The Egyptian-Canadian actor opens up about creating Dharma Gin with his wife, blending Egyptian and Indian cultural influences into their spirit, and sharing his favorite Egyptian foods.  Mena shares what it was like growing up in a predominantly white Canadian community, learning English through ESL, and navigating the cultural expectations of an immigrant family. He and Godfrey discuss the pressure to become a doctor, the shame associated with pursuing acting, and the difficult conversation with his parents after choosing theater school over neuroscience. He reflects on childhood trauma, self-doubt, people-pleasing, and the pressure to always be better, while exploring how those experiences shaped his career and personal growth.  Mena takes us behind the scenes of his breakout role as Aladdin, from booking Jack Ryan with John Krasinski to landing the Disney film after months of auditions. He reveals how theater school prepared him for singing, dancing, camel riding, and the underwater drowning scene, which helped save the production $200,000. He also discusses working with Will Smith, the reality of Aladdin grossing over $1 billion at the box office, and why that massive success did not translate into a massive payday.  The actor opens up about the dark place he experienced after Aladdin and how reconnecting with his love for acting helped him regain his confidence. He shares what it was like living in a closet in West Hollywood before booking Jack Ryan and Aladdin, navigating Hollywood as an Egyptian actor.  Mena also discusses his new biblical film, Daniel: The Fiery Furnace, his Coptic Christian upbringing, and the importance of standing up for your faith and identity. They explore Egyptian history, the pyramids, the diversity of Africa, and what it means to experience Egypt beyond the tourist attractions.

Mena Massoud Part 2: Faith, Egypt, Daniel: The Fiery Furnace & Mental Health - One54 Africa

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/42778d65-9dfa-46cf-a8c8-b4c60124a8d9/transcript