Mena Massoud, born on September 17, 1991, is a 33-year-old Egyptian-Canadian actor whose captivating performances have made him a household name. Best known for his role as Aladdin in Disney’s 2019 live-action remake, Massoud’s net worth is estimated at $2 million in 2025, driven by his acting career and entrepreneurial ventures like Evolving Vegan. Currently engaged to actress Emily Shah, he keeps his dating life private but shares glimpses on social media. This article explores his age, career, salary, married status, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into his journey.
Early Life and Background: Mena Massoud’s Age and Roots
Born in Cairo, Egypt, Mena Mansour Massoud moved to Markham, Ontario, at age three with his Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Christian family. Now 33 years old, his early life was shaped by cultural richness and a passion for performance. At St. Brother André Catholic High School, he led the improv team, sparking his acting dreams. Initially studying neuroscience at the University of Toronto, he later transferred to Ryerson University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance in 2014. This blend of discipline and creativity laid the foundation for his multifaceted career.
Career Highlights: From Small Roles to Aladdin Stardom
Massoud’s career began in 2011 with guest roles in TV series like Nikita and Combat Hospital. His breakout came in 2015 as Jared Malik in Open Heart, showcasing his ability to portray complex characters. The defining moment arrived in 2019 with Disney’s Aladdin, where he starred alongside Will Smith and Naomi Scott. The film grossed over $1 billion globally, earning him a Teen Choice Award nomination and a GQ Middle East Breakthrough Talent Award. His salary for Aladdin significantly boosted his net worth, though exact figures remain undisclosed.
Since Aladdin, Massoud has diversified his portfolio with roles in Jack Ryan (2018) as Tarek Kassar, Reprisal (2019), and The Royal Treatment (2022) on Netflix. In 2025, he starred in Wish You Were Here, a romantic drama directed by Julia Stiles, and is set to appear in Spaceman, a sci-fi fantasy film with J.K. Simmons. His Evolving Vegan TV series reflects his commitment to a plant-based lifestyle, resonating with younger audiences and adding to his income through sponsorships.
Mena Massoud’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
As of 2025, Mena Massoud’s net worth is estimated at $2 million, a figure bolstered by his acting roles, endorsements, and media ventures. His salary per project varies, with reports suggesting he earned $12,000–$15,000 per episode for TV roles like Jack Ryan. The global success of Aladdin and subsequent projects like The Royal Treatment have been key contributors. Additionally, his Evolving Vegan platform, with products like cookbooks and media content, has opened new revenue streams. Massoud’s strategic use of social media, with 2.9 million Instagram followers (@menamassoud), enhances his marketability.
Dating Life and Married Status: Is Mena Massoud Married?
Mena Massoud is engaged to Emily Shah, a former Miss New Jersey USA and actress trained at the New York Film Academy. The couple, who share a passion for philanthropy and the arts, announced their engagement in 2024, though they keep details private. Unlike rumors linking him to co-star Naomi Scott or others, Massoud has clarified he prioritizes his career over publicizing his dating life. His Instagram posts occasionally hint at romantic moments, but he maintains discretion, focusing on professional growth rather than media speculation about his married status.
Personal Life: Veganism, Philanthropy, and Cultural Identity
Massoud’s personal life reflects his values of health, culture, and giving back. A committed vegan, he founded Evolving Vegan to promote plant-based living, inspired by his own lifestyle shift in his 20s. His Egyptian heritage influences his comedic roles, drawing from icons like Ismail Yassine and Adel Emam. In 2019, he became an ambassador for Egypt’s “Speak Egyptian” initiative, preserving cultural identity for the diaspora. His Ethnically Diverse Artists Foundation supports underrepresented artists, addressing industry inequities he’s experienced firsthand.
Unique Insight: Overcoming Stereotypes in Hollywood
Massoud’s journey offers a unique perspective on navigating Hollywood as a Middle Eastern actor. Early roles, like an Al-Qaeda member in Nikita, prompted him to seek characters that defy stereotypes. In a 2023 interview, he shared, “I want to tell stories that celebrate my heritage, not vilify it.” His role in Aladdin was a turning point, presenting a vibrant Arab character. This aligns with data from a 2024 USC Annenberg study, which found only 2.8% of Hollywood roles go to Middle Eastern actors, underscoring Massoud’s impact in breaking barriers.
Recent Updates: Projects and Future Prospects
In 2025, Massoud remains active in both film and advocacy. His role in Wish You Were Here, released January 2025, showcases his romantic lead capabilities alongside Isabelle Fuhrman. The upcoming Spaceman blends sci-fi and coming-of-age themes, signaling his versatility. However, Aladdin 2 faces uncertainty, with Massoud noting in a recent podcast that “the project is stalled, but I’m open to returning.” His Evolving Vegan series continues to grow, with a second season planned for 2026, further diversifying his career.
Biography Table: Mena Massoud at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mena Mansour Massoud |
| Date of Birth | September 17, 1991 |
| Age | 33 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Cairo, Egypt |
| Nationality | Canadian (Egyptian descent) |
| Education | Ryerson University, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) |
| Weight | Approximately 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Notable Works | Aladdin (2019), Jack Ryan (2018), The Royal Treatment (2022), Wish You Were Here (2025) |
| Net Worth | $2 million (estimated, 2025) |
| Salary | $12,000–$15,000 per TV episode (estimated) |
| Relationship Status | Engaged to Emily Shah |
| Siblings | Two older sisters, Marian and Margaret |
| Religion | Coptic Orthodox Christian |
| Hobbies | Basketball, horse riding, vegan advocacy |
| Social Media | Instagram: @menamassoud (2.9M followers), Twitter: @MenaMassoud |
| Awards | GQ Middle East Breakthrough Talent (2019), Teen Choice Award Nominee (2019) |
| Philanthropy | Ethnically Diverse Artists Foundation, Egypt’s “Speak Egyptian” Ambassador |
Why Mena Massoud Stands Out
Massoud’s ability to blend cultural authenticity with mainstream appeal sets him apart. His commitment to veganism and philanthropy, combined with his strategic career choices, positions him as a role model for aspiring actors from underrepresented backgrounds. Unlike many peers, he balances commercial success with meaningful advocacy, making his journey both inspiring and relatable.
For more on Mena Massoud’s career, check his Wikipedia page, follow him on Instagram, or explore his IMDb profile. For updates on Evolving Vegan, visit evolvingvegan.com.
