You may not have known it, but you’ve definitely seen the talented Iqbal Theba on screen before. His list of roles spans plenty of iconic movies and beloved shows (ever heard of Friends). While his characters often steal the show with their hilarious antics, Iqbal’s own journey from a Pakistani immigrant to a celebrated actor in the heart of Hollywood is a captivating tale in itself. Let’s dig into the inspiring story of how Iqbal Theba achieved his dreams, against all odds.
Iqbal Theba was born on December 20th, 1963 in Karachi, Pakistan. Iqbal grew up in a poor environment and it was his father’s idea to get an education in America. Selflessly, his father used his entire life’s savings to finance Iqbal’s pursuit of higher education in America starting with the University of Oklahoma.
Iqbal attended the University of Oklahoma to study civil engineering in 1981. Little did he know, his true calling awaited him behind the curtains. After getting a Bachelor’s in Construction Engineering Management, Iqbal realized his passion for acting and decided to return to the university. In 1986, he walked across the graduation stage once again, theater degree in hand and ready to take Hollywood by storm.
Iqbal first moved to NYC to pursue acting but found little success. He worked as a waiter and got a few non-paying gigs acting. Two years later, he decided to move to Los Angeles with only $37.
LA had a lot more opportunities for Iqbal. He found a lot of gigs working in commercials. His first big commercial was for the Wherehouse Music Chain but he also starred in commercials for McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, AT&T, Sprint, American Express, Capital One, Holiday Inn, Kellogg’s Cereal, Tostitos, Got Milk, etc.
Iqbal was the first South Asian to have appeared in dozens of mainstream national commercials in the ’90s. These commercial acting opportunities not only provided Iqbal with invaluable experience and exposure but also enabled him to get his SAG card, a pivotal milestone in the entertainment industry.
Iqbal’s career took a significant leap forward with his breakout role in the NBC pilot “Death and Taxes.” Although the show wasn’t picked up for a full season, the opportunity opened doors for him in the entertainment industry. Iqbal soon became a sought-after guest star, landing numerous roles in popular films and shows of the era, including L.A. Law, Living Single, Mad About You, Seinfeld, Ellen, Friends, and many others.
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Iqbal’s huge breakthrough came in 2009 when he secured the pivotal role of Principal Figgins in the acclaimed musical dramedy series Glee. Originally envisioned for a Caucasian actor, Iqbal’s distinct portrayal was so memorable that the creators felt he was a perfect fit for the part. He remained an integral part of the show’s ensemble until its end in 2015, and even got a SAG Award for his performance.
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While starring on Glee, Iqbal simultaneously took on another memorable role in the NBC comedy series “Community.” He portrayed the father of Abed Nadir, a college student majoring in film studies. Iqbal’s character, a Palestinian parent, had a huge cultural disconnect with his son which is ironic considering his real-life story.
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Iqbal’s role in The Illegal marks a new era in his career, transitioning from predominantly guest-starring to more substantial supporting roles. In this poignant drama, he portrays a compassionate immigrant who journeyed to America in pursuit of a better life, and now aids a young man striving for the same dream. It’s a nuanced and thought-provoking performance that highlights Iqbal’s versatility as an actor.
Interested? Watch The Illegal on Reveel for free!
Iqbal’s career has slowed down a bit from the early 2010s. He continues to take on new projects every year, although with less frequency. His most recent role was a guest appearance as Dr. Mullen in the 2024 television series Extended Family.
The Illegal is about a young film student from India who drops out of a prestigious university to support his family as an undocumented worker in the United States. You can watch it right now for free on Reveel.
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