May Calamawy took a personal risk in Ramy’s second season by integrating her own experience with alopecia into her character Dena’s story. Initially hesitant, she was encouraged by creator Ramy Youssef. “If this is something that scares you, we should definitely do it,” Youssef told her. This approach reshaped how Calamawy views her craft, as she now seeks roles that allow her to transform her vulnerabilities into meaningful dialogue with audiences.
#1. Ramy’s Impact on Diverse Audiences Around the Globe
Calamawy noted the show’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive, both in the U.S. and the Middle East. “I always thought we would be received well on one side of the world while the other reacts differently, but it’s been great to see it well-received on both sides,” she shared. The nuanced portrayal of underrepresented stories resonated universally, showing audiences characters they hadn’t seen before.
#2. Pressure to Represent an Entire Culture
When asked about criticisms that Ramy doesn’t fully represent Muslim women, Calamawy responded thoughtfully: “The show is called Ramy—it’s about a specific character and his family. He doesn’t represent an entire culture.” However, she acknowledged the audience’s desire for more diverse stories: “It’s proof that more needs to be made.”
#3. Integrating Alopecia Into Dena’s Journey
Calamawy’s alopecia diagnosis became a focal point in the episode “3riana grande.” Initially reluctant to share such a personal story, she found the experience transformative. “Why am I trying to hide this part of me that I find ugly?” she wondered. After seeing how her story resonated with viewers, she realized, “There is going to be someone out there who feels just as lonely. What about that am I trying to hide?”
#4. Exploring Faith Through Dena’s Perspective
In Season 2, Dena begins to grapple with her faith in unexpected ways. Calamawy described the character’s journey as desperate rather than transformative: “It’s out of desperation, a call-out for help. It’s the beginning of her going down that path, and I’m excited to see where it goes.”
#5. Dena’s First-Season Standalone Episode and Fetishization
In Season 1, Dena confronts the fetishization of her identity during an encounter with a white man. Reflecting on the episode, Calamawy shared, “I can’t believe it’s something that others have experienced. It made me feel bad to see someone craving a connection only to be met with that.” The episode highlighted how deeply personal and relatable such moments can be.
#6. Dena as a Cultural Translator for Her Family
Season 2 sees Dena guiding her family through the changing social landscape, particularly her mother, Maysa. “I related to that. I have moments like that with my dad all of the time,” Calamawy said. While Maysa is open to learning, Dena’s frustration often complicates their interactions. “It kind of shows up in all aspects of their relationship,” she added.
#7. Favorite Moments From Season 2
Calamawy loved filming the scene where Ramy introduces Zainab to the family. “It’s funny because I was hardly in that scene, but shooting it was so much fun,” she said. It also marked her first interaction with Mahershala Ali, whose presence on set left a lasting impression.
#8. Working With Mahershala Ali
Ali joined Ramy in Season 2 to much fanfare. “He was so humble and so friendly,” Calamawy recalled. “We were all intimidated by him… but he was so human. He taught me a lot and was accessible the entire time.”
#9. The Line Between May and Dena
Calamawy noted many similarities between herself and Dena, including navigating familial expectations and cultural identity. However, their experiences differ in key ways. “I grew up in the Middle East while Dena grew up in New Jersey,” she explained. This distinction underscores Dena’s frustration in balancing her family’s values with her American upbringing.
#10. What’s Next for Dena in Season 3?
Looking ahead, Calamawy hopes to see Dena explore her independence and spirituality. “I want to see her move out and find out who she is without anyone else’s voice in her head,” she said. For Dena, this journey would be transformative and dictate the course of her life.
#11. How Ramy Creates a Unique Space for Vulnerable Storytelling
Through standalone episodes and deeply personal stories, Ramy continues to redefine representation on television. As Calamawy described, the show’s willingness to embrace vulnerability fosters a dialogue that resonates with audiences worldwide: “It’s proof that stories like this need to be made.”
