Arab Americans

Michael Nouri

Michael Nouri (born December 9, 1945) is an American television and film actor. He may be best known for his role as Nick Hurley, in the 1983 film Flashdance. He has had recurring roles in numerous television series, including NCIS as Eli David, the father of Mossad officer (now Special Agent) Ziva David, The O.C. as Dr. Neil Roberts, and Damages as Phil Grey. He also appeared as Congressman Stewart with Queen Latifah in the 2006 comedy movie Last Holiday and Detective Thomas Beck in the science fiction action film The Hidden.

Early life

Nouri was born in Washington, D.C., the son of Gloria (née Montgomery) and Edmond Nouri. His father was born in Baghdad in 1918. His education at Jesuit Baghdad College won him an IBM scholarship to Georgetown University in 1938. In 1942, he enlisted in the US Army as an Iraqi national, and served in China and Burma, before becoming an American citizen. Shortly after, he worked as a staff writer for the Stars and Stripes and The New Yorker, and as a commodities trader at US Steel.

Filmography