Alia Martine Shawkat was born on April 18, 1989, in Riverside, California, to Dina Burke and Tony Shawkat. Her father is of Iraqi descent, and her mother is of Norwegian, Irish, and Italian ancestry. She grew up in Palm Springs, California. Shawkat began acting at a young age, developing an interest in performing arts.
Shawkat began her acting career in the late 1990s, with early roles in television shows. Her breakthrough role came with the television series Arrested Development (2003-2006, 2013, 2018-2019), where she played Maeby Fünke. This role garnered her significant recognition and established her as a prominent young actress.
Following Arrested Development, Shawkat transitioned into a variety of roles in both television and film, demonstrating her versatility as an actress. She has worked in independent films and mainstream productions, showcasing her ability to portray diverse characters.
Shawkat’s filmography includes a range of critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects. Some of her notable works include:
Shawkat has received nominations and awards for her performances. She