If you’ve spent any time watching CBS or scrolled through the faith-based world of streaming, you definitely know her face. Yasmine Al Bustami. She’s the kind of actress who feels like your best friend on screen, even when she’s playing a high-stakes federal agent or a literal person from the first century. Honestly, her path to becoming a household name wasn't exactly a straight line. She didn't grow up as a child star; she actually has a finance degree.
Yeah, you read that right. Before yasmine al bustami movies and tv shows were a thing people Googled, she was on track for a life in corporate banking or investments. Luckily for us, the finance world’s loss was Hollywood’s gain.
The Roles That Put Yasmine Al Bustami Movies and TV Shows on the Map
Most fans probably recognize Yasmine as Special Agent Lucy Tara from NCIS: Hawai’i. It was a massive moment for the franchise. Lucy was the first LGBTQ+ agent in the NCIS universe to have a sustained, serious romantic arc from the jump. Her relationship with DIA Officer Kate Whistler—dubbed "Kacy" by fans—basically broke the internet (or at least the TV side of it) every Monday night.
But it’s kinda wild to look back at where she started. Her first real "I've arrived" moment wasn't as a hero. It was as a villain. In 2013, she landed the role of Monique Deveraux in The Originals. If you remember that first season, Monique was terrifying. She was a resurrected witch with a serious grudge, and Yasmine played that cold, calculating intensity so well that people forgot she's actually incredibly bubbly in real life.
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Breaking Down the Big Hits
- The Chosen (2019–Present): This is where she plays Ramah. It’s a completely different vibe from the high-octane action of NCIS. The Chosen is a historical drama about the life of Jesus, and Yasmine’s character brings this grounded, human element to a story that’s been told a thousand times. Fans were devastated by her character arc in Season 4, which just goes to show how much weight she carries in an ensemble cast.
- NCIS: Hawai’i (2021–2024): Lucy Tara. This is the role that cemented her as a leading lady. She brought a mix of "I can kick your teeth in" and "I’m vulnerable about my relationship" that made the show feel fresh.
- I Ship It (2016–2019): Before the big network deals, she was in this musical rom-com on CW Seed. She played Sasha, and it’s honestly a hidden gem. If you haven't seen it, find it. It's quirky and fun.
- Orbital Redux (2018): This was a crazy experiment. It was a live, interactive sci-fi series. Think about the pressure of performing live theater but for a streaming audience with cameras everywhere. She played Tommie, and it proved she could handle literally anything.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Career
People tend to think she just "popped up" in Hawaii with a badge. The truth is, Yasmine has been grinding in the guest-star circuit for years. You’ve probably seen her in the background of your favorite shows without even realizing it. She was in an episode of Nashville back in 2014 playing Delissa Birch. She popped up in Switched at Birth. She even had a guest spot on S.W.A.T. as a human rights activist.
The breadth of yasmine al bustami movies and tv shows is actually pretty staggering when you look at the genres. Sci-fi, biblical drama, police procedural, vampire horror—she’s done it all.
Why the "NCIS" Cancellation Hurt
When NCIS: Hawai’i was abruptly canceled in 2024, the fans were livid. There’s no other way to put it. Lucy Tara was a pioneer for representation, and Yasmine’s chemistry with Tori Anderson was the heart of that show. While the show ended earlier than anyone wanted, it left Yasmine in a position where she’s now one of the most sought-after actresses for pilot season.
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The 2026 Outlook: What's Next?
So, where is she now? Since we're in 2026, the dust has settled on the NCIS era. Yasmine has been leaning more into her comedic roots. She recently worked on a pilot for a 30-minute sitcom that she described as "raunchy" and "the opposite of anything I’ve ever done." It’s a smart move. After years of playing "serious professional" or "biblical figure," showing off her comedic timing—which fans of her Instagram know is top-tier—is the perfect pivot.
She’s also stayed connected to The Chosen universe. Even as the show moves into its later seasons, her impact on that production remains a huge part of her legacy.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re trying to catch up on her full filmography, don't just stick to the big hits. Here is how to actually experience her range:
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- Watch the Shorts: Look for Road to Peshawar (2011). It's a short film where she plays a character named Anoosheh. It’s early in her career but shows that raw talent was always there.
- The Music Video Deep Dive: She’s the lead in John Legend’s "Surefire" music video. It’s basically a mini-movie about a star-crossed relationship, and her performance is incredibly moving without her saying a single word.
- Stream the Interactive Stuff: If you can find archives of Orbital Redux, watch it. It’s a masterclass in staying in character when things are technically chaotic.
Yasmine Al Bustami is a rarity in Hollywood. She’s an actress who actually enjoys the craft more than the fame. Whether she’s back on a network procedural or starring in an indie comedy, she brings a specific "Texas-meets-Abu-Dhabi" energy that nobody else has. Keep an eye on her upcoming sitcom work; it's going to be the "Lucy Tara" breakout all over again, just with more laughs and probably a lot more "y'alls."
To stay truly updated on her latest projects, follow her verified social media accounts or check the official The Chosen and NCIS legacy fan portals, as she often does surprise appearances and panels for those communities.