Following the passing of the Egyptian legendary comedian Samir Ghanem yesterday, many well known Egyptian and other Arab artists expressed their sorrow over the loss of the great actor who left behind scores of unforgettable works.
The famous actress Sherihan's recent tweet describes Ghanem as "the great founder of the Egyptian theatre's skeleton, one who shared the sincere laughter coming from the heart and without any effort."
Singer Mohamed Hamaki underlined the loos of "the great artist and a great human. We will always remember you."
"Farewell to the great friend, the companion of the journey, the soul brother. The kindest man created by God, the laughter of Egypt," noted producer Isaad Youness.
"Good bye, Samoura, you made us always happy with your art, your wit and your beautiful soul. May God grant patience to [your] family and loved ones in this time of separation," expressed actress Sherine Reda.
In his Tweet, actor Ahmed Helmy noted that Ghanem "made us all happy when we were sad, and left us sad for losing him. Death is an expected thing, but the pain of separation is enormous."
The TV presenter Lamis Elhadidy also underlined Ghanem's unparalleled skills of making people laugh, noting that "it is now for the first time that when we hear your name, we do not smile, but cry."
Many artists extended their condolences to the family and close friends of the actor.
Singer Amal Maher wrote "I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late great artist Samir Ghanem and to all his fans."
While extending her condolences to Ghanem's family, actress Menna Shalaby stressed that "[It is] a very sad day on all levels," and called Ghamen a great human and an artistic icon.
Egyptian artists were joined by their counterparts from other Arab countries, all mourning the loss of a legendary comedian.
While Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram pointed to an unparalleled loss experienced by the whole artistic community, she also extended her condolences to Ghanem's family adding that "From the bottom of my heart, I wish Dalal Abdel Aziz a speedy recovery," refering to Ghanem's wife critical condiction after she got infected with Covid-19, at the same time that Samir Ghanem did. Abdel Aziz is also a famous actress and both their daughters are actresses as well Donia and Amy Samir Ghanem.
Lebanese singer Elissa wrote: "another star bids us farewell after a long journey of dreams that he planted and left for the entire Arab world's creative library. Samir Ghanem, may God have mercy on you and open the heaven's gates for you. Life is unfair, and you were taken away from us while we have no power to do anything."
Cairo-based Syrian actress Kinda Alloush bid farewell to Ghanem saying: "Goodbye, sweetheart of millions, the one who cheered everyone. Farewell to the star who does not ressemble any other star and one who for over 60 years made millions of people laugh. Your roles, voice, presence in TV, movies, theatre plays and Fawazeer will remain engraved in our conscience and will be immortalized alongside other art icons. My condolences to Donia, Amy, Hassan and Rami," she addressed Ghanem's family.
Alloush then shared a short clip posted by director Mohammad Mashish showing Ghanem in numerous roles and offering life wisdoms and words of consolation.
Narrated by Ghanem with text taken from one of his roles, the clip begins with words: "We are all are born to die. This is the truth, my son. Don't escape from it. World is beautiful and weird, and you deserve to live it. Tke all you can from it: play, learn, work, love, get married and even have fights. Do not waste one moment of your life."
Samir Ghanem (1937-2021) has been one of the favorite comedians performing in dozens of theatre works, television series and films over the span of over half a century long career, leaving a memorable imprint in all of them.
Among his best known roles are the comic character of Fatota in Fawazeer (TV riddles a major hit in Ramadan, a famous TV classic from the 1980s. He was a member of 'Tholathy Adwa'a El-Masrah,' the 1960s standup comedy trio, with George Sidhom and El Deif Ahmed.
Ghanem received numerous awards during his career. In 2017, he received the Faten Hamama Honorary and Excellence Award during the Cairo International Film Festival, as testament to the vital role he has played in the film scene and his immense contribution to Egyptian cinema.
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