By Paul Salfen, Christine Thompson
In a recent chat with AMFM Magazine, actor Oded Fehr—best known for his iconic roles in The Mummy franchise and Resident Evil—opened up about his latest projects, including the hit biblical series House of David, his exciting venture into the Star Trek universe, and an upcoming grizzly-themed thriller. Currently residing in Austin, Texas, Fehr shared insights on his career, family-first mindset, and the serendipitous moments that have defined his journey in Hollywood.
Fehr, who stars in the Amazon Prime series House of David, described the project as a refreshing surprise. The show, which chronicles the biblical kingdoms of Saul and David, was filmed in Greece on a modest budget but with an abundance of positivity. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Fehr admitted. “I had a Zoom meeting with [producers]John and John Irwin, and they were so positive and optimistic. I thought it wouldn’t last, but it completely did.”
The experience was enriched by the stunning Greek landscapes and the diverse cast, including Palestinian, Arab, British, Israeli, Jewish, and Christian actors. “It’s a story that applies to everybody,” Fehr said. “We shot it with very little money, but whatever conflicts arose, they always found a way to resolve it.” He praised the location shoots, recalling drives through Mediterranean vistas and post-filming dips in the sea. “The views are just stunning,” he enthused. “The Greek people are the loveliest, and the food is beyond imagination.”
Favorite moments on set included action sequences like horse riding and sword fighting—”a lot of fun, like a dance”—and collaborative problem-solving under challenging conditions, such as filming on windy cliffs in extreme heat. With Season 2 now out and a writers’ room active for a potential third, Fehr is hopeful: “I know they have a writer’s room, but I don’t know where we are yet with getting greenlit.”
Shifting gears to sci-fi, Fehr gushed about joining Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, a dream come true for the lifelong Trekkie. Growing up in Israel and Germany amid conflict, he found inspiration in the original 1960s series. “Earth is in peace, part of the Federation, exploring new civilizations— it was so optimistic,” he recalled. When offered arcs on two shows—one DC and one Star Trek—the choice was clear: “Star Trek. No questions.” Transitioning from Star Trek: Discovery to Starfleet Academy felt like the ultimate compliment. “When I first saw the bridge on Discovery, I was so excited,” he said.
Fehr’s career highlights include his breakout role in The Mummy (1999), which he called a “Hail Mary” moment. Auditioning fresh out of drama school in England, he faced skepticism as a foreigner. “They’d cast an Englishman with a bad American accent before an American,” he laughed. But landing the part opposite Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz changed everything. The film’s enduring popularity still surprises him: “It’s really wonderful.”
Beyond House of David and Star Trek, Fehr teased a “grizzly movie” shot during the actors’ strike and another undisclosed project set for summer. “There’s plenty of stuff coming out,” he said.
For aspiring storytellers, Fehr’s advice is straightforward: persistence and practice. “Just don’t give up. Put in your 10,000 hours early—write, film, put it out there.” He emphasized working for free initially to build skills.
What keeps Fehr grounded? Family and a normal life in Austin, where he moved in 2007 to raise his kids away from L.A.’s hustle. “What I wanted was an amazing woman, a family, a close-knit unit—that was my dream,” he shared. Between jobs, he builds home additions or renovates bathrooms. “It helps dealing with this business that eats you up.” A funny anecdote: While paint-shopping at Home Depot, a fan recognized him from The Mummy and asked, “So what do you do now? You paint?” Fehr’s reply: “Yeah, I paint.”
As House of David climbs the charts and his slate fills up, Fehr remains optimistic and appreciative. Catch him in House of David on Amazon Prime, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy on Paramount+, and keep an eye out for that grizzly thriller. From ancient kingdoms to futuristic federations, Oded Fehr continues to captivate audiences with his talent and humility.
