Natacha Karam
Natacha Karam began her acting career in 2016 with appearances on "Silent Witness" and "Homeland." The following year she took on her first significant role as sniper Jasmine "Jaz" Khan in the military series "The Brave" alongside Anne Heche, Mike Vogel, and Tate Ellington. Since then, she has continued her career in the Fox series "9-1-1: Lone Star", portraying Muslim firefighter Marjan Marwani.
Dress by TrendHaus Showroom
Bracelet by Versace
What first inspired you to take up acting?
Honestly, it's been a magnetic pull my whole life. I genuinely believe it's what I was put on this earth to do: tell stories. It's certainly not something I stumbled into but every step of my journey has been full of intent.
What drew you to your current series, "9-1-1: Lone Star"?
I'm drawn to physically challenging roles, but I'm even more drawn to the opportunity to dismantle stereotypes. I believe so much good is achieved in the existence of this character on network television. Also, fire. Who doesn't love fire?
Blazer by David Hayes Vintage
Leather Leggings by TrendHaus Showroom
Earrings by Wasteland
Shoes by Model’s own
In the series, you portray a Muslim firefighter. What has it been like for you to take on this role, and what does it mean to you?
As much as I enjoy this role, I also feel a tremendous amount of responsibility. There have been so many dangerous mistakes made with Muslim characters in the media misrepresentation. These comes at a substantial, real-life cost. While more Muslim representation is on our screens than ever before, representation isn't the easy utopia that many imagined it would be. Nuance is lacking, and the representation that does exist is primarily male. I'm aware of how important this role can be in helping to move that needle. I am adamantly on a journey of doing better for and with this character whenever possible.
What are you looking forward to in the future of the series?
The emotional development of my character because we have seen how physically capable she is and how great she is at her job. Now I'd love to see her emotional self get challenged. Additionally, some more context on her life and journey to this point would be fun to dive into, and, of course, I wouldn't say no to some more actions sequences, too; I love a challenge.
Bodysuit by Naked Wardrobe
Handbag by Top Shop
Sunglasses by Crossroads Trading
Shoes by Model’s Own
How do you prepare for a character?
There's an initial internet and deep literature dive when exploring a new world. However, the fun part for me is getting out into that world in whichever ways I can and trying to get as close to experiencing whatever that 'thing' is. For example, hanging out with real firefighters in firehouses in Los Angeles and going out on calls with them was immeasurably valuable for my current role. I also love to find the similarities between myself and the character. There will always be similarities, no matter how strikingly different a character may initially appear. Acting teaches me about life and living as much as living teaches me about acting. I love it so much I can't even begin to explain.
You are best known for your work in action roles. Are there other roles or genres you hope to explore?
Comedy! Listen, do I know if people are laughing with me or at me? No. But are they laughing? Often, yes. Ha-ha. I've had success in audition processes for comedic roles; I just haven't booked one yet. But I think there will be something for me soon that shows me in a different light. I'm ready to be a lot more playful. Also, as an opportunity to have it in writing and manifest the f**k out of it, I must add that my dream role is my own boxing movie. I'm ready for my Rocky moment, my Michelle Rodriguez' Girl fight' moment, my 'Million Dollar Baby' moment. I. AM. READY. That is my current, ultimate dream role, where the Venn diagram of me gets to come together and be of use in one space.
Dress by TrendHaus Showroom
Bracelet by Versace
Outside of acting, how do you spend your time? Did you take up any new hobbies in the pandemic?
Boxing! Lots and lots of boxing pre-pandemic. It's been hard to keep it up over the last couple of years, and I go through chapters of feeling more comfortable being in a gym, and then Covid cases will spike, and it stops feeling quite right or safe for me. I feel the void it leaves when I'm not in a stable relationship with a gym, my coach, and the sport. The last few years have been juggling anxiety, morality, responsibility, and autonomy. I'm letting myself take a break when necessary and learning new things about myself. I took up painting again throughout the pandemic, which I had given up for years and years. I have become utterly obsessed with dog clothes, customizing them and getting creative with matching looks for Miss Cleo and me, which has been such a vital source of joy.
Who and what inspires you?
Humanity. Being human is a given but keeping our humanity is a choice. Witnessing acts of humanity, however big or small, inspires me to be better, to do better. Stories of resilience and human nature inspire me (I even have a teeny tiny tattoo that says resilience). The richness of culture and heritage. Patterns, color, nature, music, art, poetry. When I'm open to receiving, there is inspiration everywhere. The trouble comes in being brave and willing enough to stay open.
Before landing in Los Angeles, you have lived in several different places, including London and Dubai. Are there other places you hope to explore? Do you see yourself moving back to these places in the future?
I want to explore the whole world. I'll go to every corner of the earth that will have me! Talk about inspiration. There is so much beauty on this earth. I feel so fortunate to have seen as much of the world as I have, but it makes me hungry for more. The more of the world I see, the more I feel I understand the human experience, the more of the world I see, the more I think I expand.
Outfit by Zara
Reworked Versace Belt Custom Made by Deeba Irivan
What is the best advice you have received in your career?
This is an odd one but the first thing that jumped to mind. Anne Heche once told me that if you don't like how a dress or a top looks, try it on backward before giving up on it. I have worn SO many things backward since—total game-changer. It also applies to perspective in general; there's often a different way to look at anything.
Social Media.
Instagram: @Natacha.Karam, where you can enjoy many of said matching looks with @misscleopatradog
Twitter: @natachakaram_
CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: Ben Cope
Talent: Natacha Karam
Fashion Stylist: Sophia Rahimi
Hair: Richard Grant at Exclusive Artists
Makeup: Natasha Greissing at Exclusive Artists
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Flora Medina, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Shop Natasha’s Look:
