GhostWritin' with Nour Jude Assaf

Yeah, I do remember "GhostWriter" from the 90s. It was one of those edutainment shows that actually got the "-tainment" part quite right. The show was reimagined in 2019 on Apple TV+, and it's now running through its 3rd season. Today we're speaking with one of its newest stars, Nour Jude Assaf, who plays the role of "Samir" in the Emmy award-winning revival.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Nour Jude Assaf spent his childhood in Paris, France, and Turkey before moving to the States when he was 8 years old. His passion for acting got ignited when he began taking acting classes in improvisation, character development, scene study and auditioning, and on-camera techniques, which led him to begin to audition and secure roles across a variety of medium

Nour’s list of credits includes voice-over roles in “Super Wings,” “The Casagrandes” and “Jungle Jangle,” and commercials and promos including Star Wars, Nickelodeon and NFL TV. No stranger to television and film roles, Nour’s growing resume includes roles in “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Sugar & Toys,” “Quiet Cool,” “Whole Hearted,” “A Kid Thing,” “Extra Ordinary” and the award-winning short film “Brothers.”

Nour, how and when did you get into acting?

Hey, thanks for having me! So ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always loved entertaining and making my friends and family laugh. As I grew up, I was always encouraged to give acting a shot. In the back of my head, I’ve always had an interest in it, so one day I asked my mom to sign me up for an improvisation acting class. After that class, is when I knew acting was my passion.

You'll be starring as "Samir" in the new "Ghostwriter" on Apple+, what can you tell us about the show and your role in it?

Yeah! So Ghostwriter is actually a reimagining of the hit 90s series and is now back for a not 2nd but 3rd season on Apple TV+. This season has the same ghost from last season who secretly haunts a neighborhood bookstore and starts releasing fictional characters from popular books and novels into the real world. A new group of friends teams up to solve an exciting mystery surrounding the ghost’s unfinished business. Each character has a special role in the season. Something different in Ghostwriter that I really liked is how we included real-world issues surrounding everyone, especially in the last few years. Samir is a Syrian refugee who is treated differently than others throughout the whole season. Nia gets racially profiled several times and fights back. I loved using these ways to entertain the audience while also raising awareness and inspiring young children to do better.

How many times have you heard "Hey, I remember that show!" when you tell older people about your participation in this new version?

Oh, man! So many times! When I first found out I was cast for Ghostwriter, my older brothers and cousins were so excited. I was confused and surprised they remembered the show! I love how now, the show is still using the same concept as the 90s version but in a more modern and appealing version with new awesome CGI and effects! This season includes appearances of characters from The Wizard of Oz, Charlotte's Web, and so many more fan favorites!

What's your vision for your career? What sort of roles would you like to see yourself in?

Right now and for the continuation of 2022, I’m mainly focusing on the release of Ghostwriter Season 3, school, and basketball. Other than acting, basketball is a huge part of my work ethic and schedule, so it would be SICK to include my skills in a project. However, in the end, I’m always grateful for opportunities that come my way.

What is your favorite movie, and why?

SUPERBAD! Superbad is such a good movie! For sure one of my favs, just because of the phenomenal acting and comedic job the actors did in the movie and I love how the movie displays the “coming-of-age” part and how all of their high school plans turn to the unexpected. I’ve rewatched Superbad so many times and still laugh every time!

What do you get into outside of acting?

As I’ve mentioned several times, I am THE BIGGEST basketball fanatic there is. So if you don’t see me in front of a camera, I’m probably running up and down the courts balling.

Heard that you play basketball. Is that right? What position do you play and which team are you a fan of if any?

Yup, you know it! As I was mentioning, again... I play the power-forward or center position for my height and ability to drive towards the basket. I’ve been seriously playing for about 2 years now, but I’ve always been my favorite since I was a little kid. If you’re in LA and the Lakers aren’t your favorite team, don’t talk to me! Lakers or nothing!

How close do you keep your Lebanese heritage to you now in Hollywood?

In my perspective, family and heritage are on my list of most important things. Keeping your heritage close to you, especially when far from your home town is super crucial to me. I’m always seeing family and visiting my home country from time to time. For the far relatives in Lebanon, I’m constantly staying in touch and video calling them when I can. In my family, and in Lebanon, family and tradition are extremely emphasized and being the family-oriented person I am, I love that.

Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?

I recently worked on an NFL commercial for ESPN, so watch out for that when watching TV on football nights! But as I said, I’m mainly working on the release of season 3 of Ghostwriter, press, growing my social media, and basketball. Fun fact, I’m actually on the basketball team for my high school, so it’s fun keeping busy between basketball, acting, and school.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Samuel Aponte is Venezuelan-born raised and based. 

I joined Rival Magazine after a few years of doing PR work for independent musicians of all stripes; understanding their struggles to be heard in a sea of constant  ADHD noise and paywalled access to platforms, I now bring a willingness to always appreciate and encourage the effort and creativity that artists put into their work . Can also find some of my writings on LADYGUNN and We Found New Music.