Maryam Basir is an actress, model, and entrepreneur who has steadily built a name for herself across film and television. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Ann Arbor. She graduated from the University of Michigan before pursuing her entertainment career in New York City. She has appeared in such popular television series as 30 Rock, Empire, Chicago P.D., Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, FBI: International, and The Chi. Most recently, she starred in a re-imagining production of Ayn Rand’s “Night of January 16” opposite Matt de Rogatis (“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”), which is being performed in Theatre Row.
She plays the role of District Attorney Flint, which traditionally has been played by a man.
Basir shared 10 interesting and fun things about herself.
Her Favorite Movies
Her favorite movie is an old-school one called “Great Expectations.” “I love that movie so much,” she admitted. “I love how beautiful it is and how it flows… and just the aesthetics of the film. Ethan Hawke is one of my favorite actors, and he is starring in it.”
Maryam's Favorite Series to Binge-watch
Her favorite series include watching murder documentaries. “Any time there is a good murder documentary on Netflix, something it relaxes me. I love watching them while I clean my apartment and while I do things,” she said.
“I also love ‘Lioness’ with Zoe Saldaña,” she added.
Favorite Cheat Meal
Her favorite cheat meal is “tacos.” “Any time somebody says the word tacos, or if I see them somewhere, I have to try them out… especially with veggie meat,” she said.
If Maryam Could Have a Superpower It Would Be...
Her superpower of choice would be “to fly” or “time travel.” “Flying would be so peaceful,” she said with a sweet laugh.
What She Says About This Stage of Her Life
On the title of the current chapter of her life, Basir revealed, “Milestones.”
What Maryam Says is the Best Thing About Being Her Age
“The best thing is that there are always new experiences every day, and each day is different. I just enjoy that so much. Life is timeless when you just never know what is going to happen,” she said.
“Years ago, I would have not expected to be where I am now, and years from now, I am not going to expect where I will be then, so that gives me something to look forward to. Life is just limitless,” she elaborated.
The Best Advice She Has Ever Been Given
The best advice has ever been given is to “Be authentic and honest with yourself first.”
“My mom said to just worry about the next thing in front of you, because life is full of all kinds of challenges, and sometimes you can get overwhelmed thinking about everything, so if you just take things one step at a time, and just deal with the thing that is in front of you right now, then, pace yourself to be able to handle it all,” she elaborated.
How She Unwinds
Her favorite hobbies include yoga, meditation, breath work, and reading. “I listen to a lot of books about like self-improvement and empowering myself, and learning about psychology. I do TikToks on psychology, that's kind of how I blew up on TikTok,” she said.
If Maryam Basir Was Not an Actor She Might Be...
Her alternate career choice would be a “mogul of a beauty business.”
“I also have a non-profit organization to help empower women,” she said. “If I had more time and resources, I would do that more to help young girls.”
Her Favorite Music
Her favorite music is R&B, hip-hop, 90s music, old school, and even folk music such as the Indigo Girls. "I like some rock music, country music, and all types of music," she added.
To learn more about Maryam Basir, follow her on Instagram.
Photo Credit: Mike Rooke Photography