Every now and then, a familiar Arabic word shows up where you least expect it—dropped into a red carpet interview, a film scene, or a casual celebrity moment. It’s always a bit of a double-take.
Recently, Anne Hathaway had one of those moments, casually slipping in “inshallah” during a press interview and instantly getting people talking. It’s a small thing, but it sticks. And she’s far from the only one—here are a few times international stars let a little Arabic make a cameo.
Anne Hathaway
While promoting The Devil Wears Prada 2, Anne Hathaway spoke about her hopes for the future, and how she deals with the idea of ageing, saying she wants to live a long, healthy life—“inshallah.”
What made it land was how natural it felt. No pause, no emphasis—just part of the sentence. That ease is exactly what made people notice.
It turned a standard press answer into something a little more memorable, adding a note of warmth and sincerity that resonated well beyond the interview itself.
Freddie Highmore
Freddie Highmore, known for The Good Doctor, once appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and ended up teaching Ellen how to say “I am from the U.S.” in Arabic.
The exchange was easygoing and slightly chaotic in the way language segments often are, but it also showed how comfortable he is switching between languages.
Robert De Niro (American Hustle)
In American Hustle, Robert De Niro delivers a standout twist when his character unexpectedly reveals he understands Arabic.
The scene flips instantly—from controlled to uncertain—as he challenges the situation in a way no one anticipates.
It’s a clever use of language, adding tension and a bit of humor all at once.
Leonardo DiCaprio (Body of Lies)
In Body of Lies, Leonardo DiCaprio plays Roger Ferris, a CIA operative working in the Middle East.He uses Arabic in several scenes as part of his interactions in the setting of the film.
It stands out mainly as one of those instances where Arabic surfaces within a major Hollywood production in a way that feels integrated into the scene.
Cardi B
During a visit to Saudi Arabia, Cardi B shared light, playful interactions with fans that included Arabic greetings like her iconic “salam alaikum wa alaikum salam” and her “mashallah”.
She wholeheartedly embraced the Halal B spirit running on a treadmill in a hijab and all.
At the end of the day, these moments aren’t about cultural depth or linguistic mastery—they’re just fun little cross-cultural surprises.
A language you recognize suddenly showing up in a completely different setting has a way of catching attention, even if only for a second.
And that brief overlap is often enough to make it memorable.
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