Mena Massoud on Overcoming Comparison
The actor opens up about using therapy, faith, and fitness to build a legacy that transcends the traditional measures of success.
Mena Massoud opens up about his journey not merely as an actor stepping into the Hollywood spotlight, but as a man continuously evolving—grappling with the inevitable contrasts of success and the quiet resolve of his inner life. With measured candor reminiscent of an intimate fireside conversation, he reflects on how a grounded gratitude and unwavering faith have not only sustained him through industry pressures but have also reshaped his very understanding of what it means to succeed. We asked him 9 Burning Questions we just had to know the answers to.
American Studies: You’ve mentioned a mentality shift in approaching the ups and downs of your career. What strategies or experiences have been pivotal in fostering this positive mindset?
Mena Massoud: Comparison is the thief of all joy. When Teddy said that however, he didn’t mention comparison to what. Most would think that saying references comparing oneself to other people. But for me, it was also comparing my reality to my expectation. And that’s a tough pill to swallow sometimes. Sure, comparing yourself to others is just as toxic, no doubt, but the buck doesn’t stop there. Over time, I have had to train myself to be more present and return to my mentality that I had when I first moved to LA, which was really simple: “I’m so grateful to be here and I know I’m going to make it.” But success can shatter your naivety real quick, and I think there’s power in that sort of wide-eyed confident gratitude. Therapy really helped, time away from what I now know was a trauma-triggering event, and re-learning to trust God’s plan.
American Studies: Your commitment to veganism led to the creation of a cookbook. What inspired this venture, and how do you envision it influencing public perceptions of plant-based Lifestyles?
Massoud: My main inspiration was wanting to make plant-based eating accessible to all and remove the stigma that comes with being ‘vegan’. Eating more plants should not come with stereotypes or judgement or resistance. It’s this weird thing that happens when you say the word ‘vegan’ and it’s honestly unfortunate. So, my aim with Evolving Vegan, was to make eating more plants, fun, non-judgmental, and accessible. The cookbook was the proof of concept for something much bigger – the show. Which I think will be the ultimate way people will feel invited into the lifestyle. With Evolving Vegan, you’re not just advocating for a plant-based lifestyle but also exploring global cuisines. How do you see food as a bridge between cultures, and what have you learned about different culinary traditions through this journey? I think the world is so global now that it’s no secret food is the ultimate bridge. You can know absolutely nothing about a culture, but if you know and love their food, you feel connected to them. Culinary traditions are often at the core of a culture or a family or a generation even. When we were in Tokyo filming an episode for Evolving Vegan, we went and spent an afternoon with a rice farmer and his wife. We made mochi with them, which is nothing like what we get here in America, and as I got to know them, I realized, so much of who they were revolved around this simple food. This simple food that is the foundation of Japanese cuisine – rice. Here was this family, that for three generations committed their life so supplying their fellow countrymates with the one resource that is at the heart of the entire country’s cuisine. They committed their whole life to cultivating this food, and to them, it’s not just rice. It’s passion. It’s sustenance. It’s pride.
American Studies: What artists do you currently admire that you think people don’t talk enough about?
Massoud: Honestly. Any artist that has not made their way into the mainstream. What do I mean by that? The competition is so fierce now in entertainment, whether you are a musician or actor or writer, that the artists I have the most admiration for are the ones that are out there, constantly grinding, constantly doing the work, pouring so much passion into their craft that nobody knows about. It’s so hard now to be known by the masses that it really does take a special person to persevere. People always talk about the gap between the 99% and the 1% but there’s also a gap between the 1% and the 0.1%. And the 0.1% and the 0.01%. And it gets harder and harder as you move up the mountain. So, to all the artists making their way up the mountain who have not yet reached that summit –those are the artists I admire.
American Studies: Are there particular wellness practices or philosophies that guide you?
Massoud: Stay present, which is becoming harder everyday with all the access we have. Be grateful for what you have. Trust your process and journey. Always be taking baby steps to get better. For me, working out and fitness is a non-negotiable and I think it always will be. Meditation is something that didn’t work for me when it was a rigid process. For a while I had my candles, my meditation corner, and now, I think it’s honestly just about prayer. That inner voice you have that acknowledges the blessings you have, and voices your desires, your goals, your passions. That connection with the Everlasting is important, I think.
American Studies: You’ve spoken about the discipline required in both acting and fitness. Do you see a connection between physical health and mental resilience, especially in an industry where rejection and uncertainty are common?
Massoud: Without a doubt. This is a brutally difficult industry if you don’t have thick skin. And I mean really thick skin. A lot of people say they don’t care what people think, but when you have hundreds or thousands of digital opinions about you that exist in the ether, that is much harder said than done. It’s triggering and it has most certainly triggered my childhood trauma a few times. When you’re first starting out, it’s easier to grow confident because you don’t have too many outside voices trying to put you down. As soon as you gain some success, you will be tested. And you can’t prepare for that, it’s just something you have to go through. You can’t just be confident. It’s not enough. You have to be ultra-confident to the point where you can’t fake it or be lying to yourself. I got bullied a lot as a kid and that was nothing compared to the amount of pressure you face in this industry sometimes. The rejection will always exist, but the secret is facing your childhood trauma and healing that part of yourself. That’s something all of us have to do. And physically challenging yourself is a non-negotiable part of that strength you have to find. You don’t have to jacked or ripped but I think you have to challenge yourself physically so you can conquer your doubts mentally.
“Comparison is the thief of all joy. ”
American Studies: In an industry often associated with excess, do you find yourself drawn to a more minimalist or intentional lifestyle? If so, how does that manifest in your daily routines or personal choices?’
Massoud: As an immigrant kid who was bullied like I said, I’m drawn to a different kind of excess. I I want to create generational wealth and legacy for my family. So for me, I would rather make smart choices and get greedy about the long-term ramifications rather than the short-term pleasures. Of course, we all want to consume nice things – food, clothes,accessories, cars – but I try to have a long-term view. Should I drop this kind of money on a car or make an investment? Should I drink the afternoon away or learn a new skill? It’s a struggle because of how vain our world has become, but I try to focus on what matters long-term.
American Studies: The entertainment industry often equates success with fame and blockbuster roles. Given your experiences, how do you personally define success now? Has that definition changed over time?
Massoud: Oh yeah. For a while after Aladdin, I just viewed myself as an absolute failure. I thought I was more of a failure than the kid who never books a blockbuster in the first place. I dealt with a lot of shame, confusion and resentment. It wasn’t a good time mentally to be honest. But I worked really hard to get myself back to the mentality I had when I was still in theater school. For me, success now, is building a future for me and my family through my passions. If I can do what I’m passionate about day in and day out and be able to provide for my family – oh man. That’s success. That’s a blessing.
American Studies: What’s a story—whether personal or historical—you hope to see brought to the screen?
I have so many. And we are constantly working to make those dreams a reality at my production company, Press Play. I’ve been lucky enough to realize a couple of them so far. Evolving Vegan being one and In Broad Daylight, my Arabic feature film debut being the other. I want to see Prince of Egypt as a live action. I want to tell the story of Moses the Strong. I have an idea for a mini-series that chronicles one of the greatest periods of Egyptian art in history.
American Studies: Do you ever think about personal legacy? What do you hope that will be for you?
Now that I’m in my thirties it’s something that I’ve only begun to think about. For right now, I don’t have a clear vision of what that is exactly. I know I want my kids, and grandkids and great grandkids to look back and know that I built something special for them. And I know that will continue to be hard. But as long as I’m doing what I love, I can’t complain.