Who played the character Sallah in Raiders of the Lost Ark?

Who played Sallah in Raiders of the Lost Ark? John Rhys-Davies played the character Sallah.

Sallah Mohammed Faisel el-Kahir is an Egyptian excavator and one of Indiana Jones's most trusted allies. In Raiders of the Lost Ark, he helps Indy interpret the inscription on Marion Ravenwood's medallion and locate the Well of the Souls, where the Ark of the Covenant is hidden. His large family and cheerful personality make him one of the film's most memorable supporting characters.

Rhys-Davies was not the first choice for the role. Steven Spielberg initially offered Sallah to Danny DeVito, who declined because of his commitments to the television series Taxi. Spielberg then cast Rhys-Davies after seeing him in the miniseries Shōgun, encouraging him to combine that performance with elements of Falstaff.

A common mix-up comes from the film's other supporting actors: Paul Freeman played René Belloq, Ronald Lacey played Major Toht, and Denholm Elliott played Marcus Brody. Rhys-Davies later reprised Sallah in The Last Crusade and Dial of Destiny.