This year tragically marked a lot of loss. Most recently, the legendary Egyptian actor and comedian Samir Ghanem, who lost his battle with COVID-19 on Thursday. He was 84 years old.
The actor suffered complications after contracting the virus in late April in a Cairo hospital. Having begun his career in the 1960s, Ghanem held his position as one of the region’s most revered actors and comedians.
His start was marked as one third of comedy group Tholathy Adwaa El Masrah alongside George Sidhom and El Deif Ahmed. The trio were known for their sketches, and as presenters of the first ever Fawazeer—a Ramadan staple.
Ghanem went on to take on over 300 roles throughout his career, making him a staple figure in Egypt’s film scene and ultimately across the Arab world.
He leaves behind his wife, actress Dalal Abdel Aziz who is currently undergoing treatment for COVID-19 alongside their daughter Donia Samir Ghanem.
