Happy Birthday Iman Abdulmajid

“A self-esteem issue doesn't change whether you're considered beautiful or not because it's about what's inside you” - Iman Abdulmajid

(Iman Abdulmajid)

Iman Abdulmajid was born as Zara Abdulmajid on July 25th, 1955 in Mogadishu, Somalia. She was renamed “Iman” due to her grandfather’s request.

(Abdulmajid as a child)

At 4 years old she was sent to boarding school in Egypt. During her younger years their family would frequently travel to Kenya. Iman attended the University of Nairobi and studied political science. In 1976 had her first modeling assignment for Vogue. Iman was an instant success in the fashion world due to her long neck, tall stature, slender figure, fine features, copper toned skin, and exotic accent.

(Abdulmajid in 1976)

Iman worked with many notable photographers. In 1979 she appeared in the movie The Human Factor.

(Abdulmajid in 1979)

In 1985 she appeared in the movie Back in the World. Also in 1985 she appeared in Out of Africa.

(Abdulmajid in Out of Africa (1985))

In 1987 she appeared in No Way Out. Also in 1987 she appeared in Surrender. In 1988 she appeared in the movie Love At First Sight. She also appeared in the TV show “In the Heat of the Night”. In 1991 she appeared in Lies of the Twins, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and House Party 2.

(Abdulmajid (Center) with Kid (Left) and Play (Right) in House Party 2 (1991))

In 1992 she married David Bowie. Also in 1992 she appeared in Michael Jackson’s music video, “Remember the Time”.

(Abdulmajid (Right) with Eddie Murphy (Center) and Michael Jackson (Left))

In 1994 she started her own cosmetics firm. Also in 1994 she appeared in Exit to Eden. In 1999 she appeared in the video game “Omikron: The Nomad Soul”. In 2001 she released the book I Am Iman.

(Abdulmajid in 2001)

In the mid 2000’s Iman spent 2 years as the host of “Project Runway Canada”. In 2005 she released the book The Beauty of Color. In 2007 she introduced her clothing line.

(Abdulmajid in 2007)

In 2010 her firm was a $25 million a year business. Also in 2010 she began hosting the second season of “The Fashion Show”. She then received a “Fashion Icon” lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

(Abdulmajid in 2010)

In 2012 Iman signed fellow Somali designers Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim for her cosmetics line.

(Abdulmajid in 2016)

Today she turns 61 years old and we would all like to say happy birthday Iman Abdulmajid.

Films featuring Iman Abdulmajid

• The Human Factor (1979) as Sarah
• Exposed (1983) as model
• Out of Africa (1985) as Mariammo
• No Way Out (1987) as Nina
• Surrender (1987) as Hedy
• House Party 2 (1991) as Sheila Landreaux
• Lies of the Twins (1991) as Cat/Elie
• L.A. Story (1991) as Cynthia
• Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) as Martia
• The Linguini Incident (1991) as Dali Guest
• Exit to Eden (1994) as Nina

TV Shows featuring Iman Abdulmajid

• “Miami Vice” (1984-1989) as Dakotah
• “The Cosby Show” (1984-1992) as Mrs. Montgomery
• “In the Heat of the Night” (1988-1992) as Marie Babineaux
• “227” (1985-1990) as Eartha Kitten
• “Project Runway Canada” (2007-2009) as herself
• “The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection” (2009-2011) as herself

Books by Iman Abdulmajid

• I am Iman (2001)
• The Beauty of Color (2005)

(P.S sorry for the late post)