While we are accustomed to seeing Hollywood actors with millions of fans worldwide donning designer suits and fancy dresses during a red carpet event, we tend to overlook the fact that we, too, have our very own local talent. We certainly have incredible and talented actors who are on par with international artistes. In this issue, Top 10 of Malaysia shares its random list of the nation’s most inspiring actors whose achievements one can be proud of.
Fattah Amin
Besides starring in many telemovies, TV series and films, Fattah Amin has also released several hit songs, such as Paling Sempurna. He also has his own business such as his own eatery, Meatcartel and his own fashion line, Fattastic. Having almost 4 million followers on Instagram, it made him an ideal candidate as ambassador for brands such as Shell Advance, Police Eyewear, Maybank, Toyota, OPPO and King Koil.
Shaheizy Sam
His major breakthrough was when he was cast as the lead in TV3 CEREKARAMA “PA’E”. However, his leap to stardom began when he starred in Bohsia-Jangan Pilih Jalan Hitam (2009). Since then, he has starred in a few Malaysian blockbuster films such as Jangan Pandang Belakang Congkak (2009), Evolusi KL Drift 2 (2010), Polis EVO (2015), and Polis EVO 2 (2018).
Bront Palarae
Born Nasrul Suhaimin, he is more well known by his stage name, Bront Palarae. In 2005, he received a scholarship to attend a short Language and Culture course by the Italian government where he overstayed and subsequently toured the country for a few months. Palarae was the goodwill ambassador for UNICEF’s My Promise To Children Campaign and in 2012, Palarae joined the AQSA2Gaza11 Emergency Relief trip to Gaza he focuses on helping the people of Palestine affected by the Gaza-Israel conflicts occurring that year.
Pekin Ibrahim
The youngest of 6 siblings, he first started out as a worker at an A&W restaurant. He attended auditions for roles in dramas and movies while still working at the restaurant and landed roles as supporting actors. His most notable movies are Bunohan (2012), Hantu Kak Limah Balik Rumah (2010), Apokalips X, Ophilia (both in 2014), Munafik and Mat Moto: Kami Mat Moto Bukan Mat Rempit (both in 2016); which earned him many awards.
Syafiq Kyle
Born in 1992, Syafiq is well-rounded as he is an actor, a host as well as a model. He is also a former contestant of Hero Remaja alongside Fattah Amin, where he won second place in the competition. Having a Diploma in Film, Theater and Animation, Syafiq made his breakthrough through his role in Tanah Kubur (2012-2014).
Zizan Razak
Hailing from Terengganu, Zizan was the runner-up in the first season of Raja Lawak and came in first place in Maharaja Lawak. He has also starred in several prominent films such as Kapoww!!: Atoi The Ajaib Boy (2010), KL Gangster (2011–2013), and Polis EVO (2015–18). Besides that, the talented Zizan is also a successful entrepreneur, launching his own brand of clothing line: R-nab.
Johan As’ari
Johan gained fame after starring in Juvana (2013), where he was scouted after appearing in Penunggu Gunung Raya, the first movie he acted in. He also appeared as a contestant on season 1 of Fear Factor Selebriti Malaysia. Johan’s first role was in television series Penunggu Gunung Raya and in 2016, he starred in the drama, Mr Tanda Soal as the lead role.
Rusdi Ramli
Rusdi is the son of veteran Malaysian actress, Norlia Ghani. His father, Ramli Ismail, or more popularly known as Ramli Kechik starred in P Ramlee’s Do Re Mi (1966). Rusdi was named after the film, Doktor Rusdi (1970) by P. Ramlee in commemoration of the friendship between his parents and P. Ramlee. After being in the acting scene for many years, he is now a director, having directed movies such as Mr. Stalker… Saya Cintakan Awaklah! (2017) and also Misteri Maria (2018).
Aaron Aziz
Aaron Mustapha bin Aziz is a Singaporean actor and singer currently based in Malaysia and is largely known in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore. He started his acting career in Singapore in 2001 where he was cast in Shahril in Cinta Bollywood (2001–2002). He also appear in the sitcom Phua Chu Kang in season 6. In 2004, he migrated to Malaysia and begin his acting career as an assisting character in Haryati (2004). His most notable film appearances includes Evolution KL Drift (2008), KL Gangster (2011) and Ombak Rindu (2011). On 16 December 2017, he was awarded the Darjah Kebesaran Mahkota Pahang Yang Dihormati (Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang) by Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang, which carries the title Dato.
Syamsul Yusof
Syamsul is a Malaysian actor, film director, screenwriter, model and singer. He is the son of famous director Yusof Haslam and has an older brother, who is also actor and director. Syamsul got his start as a child actor in 1998 when he starred in a film directed by his father, where he played a minor cameo role. He was trained by his father in directing Gerak Khas where he also an actor for few episodes. In 2007, Syamsul directed his first feature film, Evolusi KL Drift where it was well-received upon its release, catapulting him into several other directorial endeavours. Some of his works include Bohsia: Jangan Pilih Jalan Hitam (2009), KL Gangster(2011), and Munafik (2016).
