- Tony Shawkat is an Iraqi-born movie actor and producer who moved to the United States in the 1970s
- He got married to a woman whose family has a history in movies and has three children with her
- In addition to being an actor and producer, Shawkat also served as a movie advisor and manager and has done philanthropic work.
Three Kings Guard Sergeant, Oasis Bunker goes by the real name Tony Shawkat. He is a reputable actor whose immediate family has had a long list of entertainers.
Tony Shawkat has been famously linked to movies such as Karla, Vlad, Bart Got a Room, and a couple more. Similarly, his daughter is famous in Hollywood and has been featured in a lot of movies.
The actor is known for his immense contribution to the entertainment world as well as his philanthropic gestures. Additionally, he helped groom his 35 year-old daughter with the help of his wife, to become a world-class actress.
Here Are Facts about Tony Shawkat You Should Know
1. He is a Muslim From Iraq
Born Abdul ‘Tony’ Shawkat, in Baghdad, Iraq, he only moved to the United States of America in 1978. He is from an Arab family, is Muslim, and Pro-Palestine. Tony built up his family in the Muslim faith. He and his family however live in Rancho Mirage, California.
2. He was Cast in a Movie Along with his Daughter
The movie the actor is most famous for, Three Kings also starred his famous actress daughter Alia Shawkat. This movie was shot in 1998 and at the time, his daughter was about 9 years old.
In the movie, Tony played the role of the Guard Sergeant known as Oasis Bunker. His daughter was cast as Amir’s daughter. This movie was the breakthrough Alia’s acting career needed.
3. Tony Shawkat Served as a Language Advisor
The 1998 movie produced by David O. Russell needed an advisor on the Iraqi language since it bordered the area. In light of this, having someone who hailed from Iraq, the producer sought the aid of Shawkat.
Shawkat not only acted in the movie but also played the off-screen role of being an Iraqi language and culture advisor.
4. Tony Shawkat is also a Producer
The Iraqi actor and language advisor is also a producer who has had a couple of movie credits to his name as the producer. Tony produced the movie Vlad which featured Billy Zane and Brad Dourif and was shot in Romania.
Also, he also produced Bart Got a Room which starred Cheryl Hines and William H. Macy. Shawkat was the executive producer of the movie starring Katie Holmes titled The Romantics.
Additionally, he also produced and directed a documentary on the Mushroom collection in Romania.
5. His Wife Hails From a Family of Actors
Tony Abdul Shawkat is married to Dina Burke who is of mixed ethnicity as she has Norwegian, Italian, and Irish ancestry. Her parents are Paul Burke and Peggy Pryor. Paul was born on July 21, 1926, in New Orleans.
Tony and Dina have three kids together but the famous one among their kids is Alia.
Nonetheless, Abdul’s father-in-law was an actor who was even an Emmy Awards Nominee. He starred as Adam Flint in Naked City.
Paul’s father Martin Burke was also an actor who was born on September 10, 1896, in Louisiana, USA. His father was a policeman but he chose the path of entertainment and starred in movies such as Dragonfly.
Given this, it is not weird that Alia is also an actor. She has a great background and was basically raised by people who were actively involved in movies.
6. He Managed His Daughter’s Acting Career
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Tony and his wife Dina who has quite a history in film production and acting were of huge influence on their daughter’s career. She has had roles in over 50 movies and series. Additionally, she even has a production credit to herself and has appeared in TV shows and documentaries as herself.
However, her career wouldn’t have been totally complete without mentioning that her parents played a huge role in it. Both her mother and father served as her manager while she was still a novice in the industry.
Dina with the help of Shawkat, helped their daughter rise through the whole process of being a recognized actress. This, with the fact that talent runs in her family, aided the Search Party star to become an elite actress.
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7. Shawkat is a Philanthropist
Shawkat is a lot of things at different times and to different people. To his daughter, he is a father, role model, and manager. To fans, he is a star actor and producer. However, to young soccer players in Baghdad, he is a hero.
The husband of Dina Burke Shawkat in 2006 sponsored a soccer tournament in his home country. The period was one marked by sadness and sectarian war. However, he and Ammo Babba who was the then Iraqi National coach was able to bring young boys from all parts of Baghdad to play soccer together.
