Last Updated: January 3, 2026.
Niko Pepaj is a 33-year-old Albanian-American actor and model best known for playing Officer Miguel Alfaro on CBS’s hit series S.W.A.T., with an estimated net worth of $1.5 million and a thriving career spanning television and film.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from reputable sources including IMDb, entertainment news outlets, official social media accounts, and verified interviews. While we strive for accuracy, some details (particularly regarding personal life, exact measurements, and net worth) are estimates based on industry standards and multiple sources. Niko Pepaj has not personally verified all information in this article. For the most current and official updates, please follow his verified social media accounts.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Niko Pepaj |
| Date of Birth | April 6, 1991 |
| Age | 33 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | Albanian-American |
| Ethnicity | Albanian |
| Height | Approximately 5’10” – 6’0″ (estimated) |
| Profession | Actor, Model |
| Wife | Alena Abedi (married 2022) |
| Famous For | Officer Miguel Alfaro in S.W.A.T. |
| Net Worth | $1-1.5 Million (estimated) |
| Sister | Eva Lauren Pepaj (model/actress) |
| @nikopepajla (74K+ followers) |
Who is Niko Pepaj? The Albanian Heartthrob Taking Hollywood by Storm
You know that feeling when you’re watching a show and someone just pops off the screen? That’s exactly what happens when Niko Pepaj appears in a scene. This Albanian-American actor has been quietly building a seriously impressive career, and if you’ve been binge-watching S.W.A.T. on CBS, you’ve definitely seen him in action.
Born on April 6, 1991, in Detroit, Michigan, Niko came from humble immigrant roots. His parents moved from Albania seeking better opportunities, and their son ended up becoming a recognizable face on American television. Talk about living the American dream!
What makes Pepaj’s story so compelling isn’t just his good looks (though let’s be honest, they don’t hurt). It’s his genuine journey from being a sports-loving kid in Detroit to becoming a professional actor and model in Los Angeles. He didn’t have Hollywood connections or a famous last name—just raw talent, determination, and a willingness to take chances.
Niko Pepaj Movies and TV Shows: Building a Solid Filmography
Early Television Roles
Niko Pepaj movies and tv shows list started growing steadily after he committed to acting. His television debut came with “Dora and Diego’s 4-D Adventure Catch That Robot Butterfly” in 2010. Not the most glamorous start, but everyone has to begin somewhere, right?
Breaking Through with MTV’s Awkward
In 2014, Niko Pepaj landed a recurring role on MTV’s hit comedy series “Awkward” as Sergio. This was his big break. The show was massively popular among teens and young adults, and Sergio quickly became a fan favorite.
His on-screen chemistry with Molly Tarlov and N. Pepaj was electric. Molly played Sadie, and their characters’ relationship—nicknamed “Sadio” by fans—became one of the show’s most talked-about storylines. The two actors clearly enjoyed working together, and their real-life friendship shone through in their performances.
Fans couldn’t get enough of their dynamic, and social media exploded whenever their characters shared scenes. Molly Tarlov and Niko Pepaj even reunited outside of filming, sharing cute behind-the-scenes photos that melted fans’ hearts.
S.W.A.T.: The Role That Changed Everything
Landing Officer Miguel Alfaro
Now let’s talk about the big one—Niko Pepaj SWAT role. In 2017, Niko Pepaj joined the cast of CBS’s action-packed series S.W.A.T. as Officer Miguel “Miko” Alfaro. This wasn’t just another recurring role; this was his chance to be part of a major network show with a substantial fanbase.
Niko Pepaj SWAT character quickly became integral to the show’s dynamic. Officer Alfaro is tough, capable, and brings both intensity and heart to the elite tactical unit. The role requires serious physical commitment—all those fight scenes, chase sequences, and tactical operations aren’t fake. Remember those athletic skills from his younger years? They’re definitely coming in handy now.
Why Fans Love His S.W.A.T Character
What makes Niko Pepaj SWAT performance so compelling is the authenticity he brings. Officer Alfaro isn’t just a tough guy; he’s a fully realized character with depth, humor, and vulnerability. Fans have watched him grow throughout multiple seasons, and his storylines—including his on-screen romance with Nicole (Deacon’s sister-in-law)—have been some of the show’s most engaging.
The show is currently in its eighth season (as of 2025), and Niko Pepaj remains a vital part of the ensemble. His commitment to the role and the show’s success has significantly boosted his profile in Hollywood.
Personal Life: Love, Marriage, and Family
Niko Pepaj Wife: Meeting Alena Abedi
For the longest time, Niko Pepaj girlfriend information was scarce. He’s always been pretty private about his romantic life, keeping most of his personal business away from the spotlight. But that changed when he met Alena Abedi (also spelled Aleena Bedi in some sources).
The couple dated for a while before getting engaged, and they shared their love story with fans through carefully curated social media posts. Their relationship appeared genuine, filled with travel adventures, shared moments with their dogs, and lots of mutual support.
The Dream Wedding
On July 24, 2022, Niko Pepaj married Alena in a beautiful beach ceremony. Niko Pepaj wife Alena looked stunning, and the actor couldn’t contain his joy. He posted on Instagram: “I had the wedding of my dreams with the woman of my dreams. What a surreal week.”
The intimate celebration took place at the edge of a beach, with close friends and family in attendance. It was romantic, personal, and perfectly suited to the couple’s low-key style.
Is Niko Pepaj Married? Yes, and Happily So!
So to answer the burning question—yes, N. Pepaj married status is confirmed. He and Alena currently live in Los Angeles, and by all accounts, they’re blissfully happy. While Niko Pepaj wife keeps a relatively low profile, she occasionally appears on his Instagram, often during their travels.
The couple shares a love for dogs and frequently posts about their furry friends. It’s clear that family—both human and canine—is incredibly important to Niko Pepaj.
Net Worth and Financial Success
How Much is Niko Pepaj Worth?
Various sources estimate Pepaj’s net worth to be between $1 million and $1.5 million as of 2025. This wealth comes from multiple income streams:
- Television Salaries: His recurring and main roles on shows like S.W.A.T. provide steady income
- Modeling Contracts: Brand ambassador deals with PacSun, Supercuts, and Sketchers
- Film Appearances: Though not blockbusters, his film work adds to his earnings
- Residuals: Ongoing payments from reruns and streaming of his shows
Building Wealth Slowly but Steadily
Unlike overnight sensations, N. Pepaj has built his wealth gradually through consistent work. He’s never been the highest-paid actor on any project, but his steady presence in the industry and smart career choices have paid off.
His modeling background gave him financial stability while pursuing acting, and his multiple TV appearances ensure he has multiple revenue streams. As S.W.A.T. continues and his profile grows, expect his net worth to increase significantly.
Conclusion: An Actor on the Rise
Niko Pepaj represents something special in Hollywood—an actor who didn’t take shortcuts, didn’t rely on connections, and built his career one role at a time. From that nervous 18-year-old at a Power Rangers audition to a confident performer on one of CBS’s most popular shows, his journey embodies the American dream his Albanian immigrant parents sought when they came to this country.
At 33 years old, Niko Pepaj is entering the prime of his career. He’s married to the love of his life, has a solid body of work behind him, and unlimited potential ahead. Whether you know him as Sergio from Awkward, Frankie from Bunheads, or Officer Alfaro from S.W.A.T., one thing is clear: N. Pepaj is here to stay.
His story reminds us that success doesn’t always happen overnight. Sometimes it takes years of modeling gigs, small TV parts, and steady persistence. But when you combine talent with determination and stay true to yourself, good things eventually happen.
Keep your eyes on Niko Pepaj—his best work is likely still ahead of him.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old is Niko Pepaj?
Niko Pepaj age is 33 years old as of 2025. He was born on April 6, 1991, which makes him an Aries. Despite being in his early thirties, he’s maintained his youthful appearance and energy, which helps him play a variety of roles on screen.
2. Is Niko Pepaj married?
Yes, Niko Pepaj married Alena Abedi on July 24, 2022, in a beautiful beach ceremony. Niko Pepaj wife Alena prefers to keep a low profile, but the couple occasionally shares glimpses of their happy life together on social media. They currently live in Los Angeles and share a love for travel and dogs.
3. What is Niko Pepaj’s nationality and ethnicity?
N. Pepaj nationality is Albanian-American. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Albanian immigrant parents, making him a first-generation American. Niko Pepaj ethnicity is Albanian, and he’s very proud of his heritage, often acknowledging his roots and maintaining connections to the Albanian-American community.
4. What shows has Niko Pepaj been in?
Niko Pepaj movies and tv shows include several popular series. He’s best known for playing Officer Miguel Alfaro in CBS’s Niko Pepaj SWAT role (S.W.A.T., 2017-present). Other notable appearances include Sergio in MTV’s Awkward, Frankie in ABC Family’s Bunheads, Miles in Niko Pepaj The Rookie, and guest roles in How to Get Away with Murder and Bosch.
5. What was Niko Pepaj’s relationship with Molly Tarlov?
Molly Tarlov and Pepaj played love interests on MTV’s Awkward—she played Sadie and he played Sergio. Their on-screen chemistry was so strong that fans shipped them as “Sadio.” In real life, they’re good friends who clearly enjoyed working together, often sharing behind-the-scenes photos during and after the show. However, they were never romantically involved off-screen.
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