Nick Shakoour, known for his role as Zebedee, the father of James and John on “The Chosen,” is an American actor of Lebanese origins.
During an interview on the 700 Club with Ashley Key, Shakoour revealed how his portrayal of Zebedee provided him with a unique perspective on fatherhood, despite not having children himself. He also discussed his upbringing in Beirut, Lebanon, within the Greek Orthodox Church, where his grandfather served as a priest.
Nick’s journey into performance began in the 4th grade when his PE teacher, Rudy Benton, noticed his knack for impersonating faculty members with comedic flair. Impressed, Benton arranged an impromptu assembly where Nick showcased his talent for the first time.
Since then, Nick’s career has soared. He’s appeared in the Oscar-qualifying film “MADARAN (Mothers),” and recurred on NBC’s “State of Affairs” as Aleek Al Moosari lent his voice to various characters in interactive games, feature films, and animated series—including Grumpy Bear and Tenderheart Bear in “Care Bears: Unlock The Magic”—and portrayed Zebedee in “The Chosen” TV series.
Nick Shakoour’s performance as Zebedee in the popular series “The Chosen” has garnered widespread praise, enriching the acclaimed TV show with his talent. Through his portrayal, Shakoour brings authenticity and emotional resonance to the character, contributing to the series’ success. “The Chosen” continues to captivate viewers, with Shakoour’s portrayal of Zebedee playing a significant role in its popularity.
Joey Vahedi is another Lebanese-American actor in the series, portraying Thomas. He is known for The Chosen (2017), Lucifer (2016) and I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (2019).
The third Lebanese actor in the series is Jonathan Roumie, born on July 1, 1974. He is a prominent American actor recognized for his portrayal of evangelist Lonnie Frisbee in the 2023 film “Jesus Revolution” and his iconic role as Jesus in “The Chosen”. Alongside his acting endeavors, Roumie also excels as a voice artist.
Roumie’s heritage is rich and diverse. His father hailed from Egypt, being a first-generation descendant of Syro-Lebanese ancestry, while his mother has Irish roots.
Noting that “The Chosen” portrays the historical narrative of Jesus and His contemporaries. Amidst the Roman rule in ancient Palestine, the series offers an authentic portrayal of Jesus’ life and teachings, showcasing His revolutionary impact.
The first 3 seasons of The Chosen are available to watch for free anywhere in the world directly on Angel Studios’ website. Season 4, which was just released early this month, is currently available at select theaters in the US. The team of The Chosen hinted that it will be available on their website for free around Easter.
