Born in Baghdad, Iraq, he fled to Denmark with his family as a child. He initially pursued a career in aviation, earning his pilot's license before switching to acting. He trained at the William Esper Studio in New York and began his acting career in Danish television and film. He gained recognition for roles in series like "Borgen" and "Game of Thrones" and films such as "A Hijacking" and "Darkland." His versatile performances have made him a prominent figure in both Danish and international cinema.