Actors never know where their next job is going to be. That's why Duncanville High School graduate Yasmine Al-Bustami feels so fortunate to be filming Season 4 of The Chosen in her home state, and less than 20 miles from where she grew up.
"It's the dream! It's honestly part of why I took the job," Al-Bustami says joyfully of her role as Ramah on The Chosen.
The series, which follows the story of Jesus and his disciples through the gospels, films in Midlothian.
"I loved it," Al-Bustami reflects of her time growing up in Southern Dallas County. "We moved to DeSoto first and then Duncanville. So I've always been in (the) South Dallas (area).
"I felt like I had a great education growing up in Duncanville."
As Al-Bustami's star has risen, she does get recognized in everyday life. But she says it always surprises her.
"It's so random, and I'm never expecting it," Al-Bustami says. "And the fun thing is that I never know who is going to recognize me for what.
"It's always so interesting when someone comes over to me and says, 'I know you.' And then I'm already thinking I feel like based on whatever vibe I'm getting from them (they're going to recognize me) from this. And then it's just the complete opposite."
In addition to her role on The Chosen, Al-Bustami also stars as Special Agent Lucy Tara on the CBS series NCIS: Hawaiʻi. But the Texas girl prefers the Lone Star State.
"It's different living in a place like that (Hawai'i)," Al-Bustami says. "I didn't realize how much of a Texas gal I was until even going to L.A...but then Hawai'i is so much different than either of those places. So being on an island so long was an adjustment.
"Thankfully, the ensemble we have there...and the friends that I've made there have made it feel like home. But man, do I miss land!"
So as she's filmed The Chosen in April and May, she's had a chance to be home. And don't be surprised if one day she's a permanent resident again.
"In terms of settling down, I don't think I want to settle down in L.A. (That's) not for me. But maybe somewhere in Texas. Obviously, I love coming back home!" she says with a smile.
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