Samir Ghanem: The man who made Egypt laugh

Today marks the birthday of the one and only comedian Samir Ghanem.

Many people believe that comedians are often sad, serious and quiet in real life—not so Samir Ghanem, who lived to spread joy and happiness on screen and off screen as well. 

Those who knew him closely say that he was in real life very similar to the roles he played: an iconic comedian with a great sense of humor who wants to see everyone around him happy and laughing.

With heavy hearts, Egyptians said goodbye to Ghanem on May 20, 2021 after the actor passed away at the age of 84 following complications from Covid-19. 

The veteran comedian and entertainer gave us an artistic career that spanned over 50 years. His debut was through the stand-up comedy trio Tholathy Adwa’a El-Masrah (The Three Theater Talents) alongside George Sidhom and El-Deif Ahmed. After El-Deif Ahmed’s death in 1970, Ghanem and Sidhom continued under the same name until the 1980s.

One of Ramadan’s unforgettable characters is Fatouta performed by Ghanem. Fawazir Fatouta began in Ramadan 1982 with Ghanem playing Fatouta, a little man wearing a green suit and huge oversized yellow shoes, taking the audience around the world or making them laugh with a funny song or dance through his riddles.

Samoura and Fatouta riddles were related to famous historical figures, each episode tackling a different historical character and the viewers had to guess the name of the character.

A stalwart of Egypt’s comedy and entertainment scene, Ghanem was beloved by audiences of all ages.

He was a unique comedian whose take on comedy nobody has managed to imitate.

Effortlessly making his audiences laugh for the sake of laughing, the veteran comedian has enthralled viewers with his TV, film and theater performances for decades. 

His repertoire contains over 40 films, the prolific actor releasing his first film in 1964 and appearing onscreen until shortly before his death. 

Some of Ghanem’s most notable films include El-Regala Fi Khatar, Tegbha Keda Tegelha Keda Heya Keda, Awlad Al-Halal, Mogrem Raghm Anfoh, El Ba’ad Yazhab Lel Ma’azoun Marteen and Ya Rab Walad, among others.

Ghanem’s long-running plays include El Motazowogon, Mazika Fe El Hay El Sharky, Bahlool Fe Istanbul, Akoya Hayes W Ana Layes, and Ana W Meraty W Monica. Ghanem’s last play El Zahr Lama Yel’ab is now available for the first time on Shahid VIP platform. 

Written by Ahmed Elebiary and directed by Tarek Elebiary, the play also stars Sherine, Tarek Elebiary, Eman Sayed and Emy Talaat Zakaria. 

The veteran comedian has received a number of accolades over the course of his illustrative career.. In 2017 Ghanem received the Faten Hamama Honorary and Excellence award at the 39th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) as testament to the important role he has played on the Egyptian artistic scene and his immense contribution to Egyptian cinema. Ghanem is the first Egyptian comedic actor to receive the accolade. 

After news of his death was announced, tributes flooded social media, with fans posting their sadness at the loss of the iconic entertainer. 

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was among the first to pay tribute to Ghanem, posting, “I mourn with great sadness and sorrow the death of artist Samir Ghanem, who passed away leaving behind him a great legacy of works that drew smiles on the faces of Egyptians and the Arab nation, as the late Ghanem was the best model of an artist who lived to spread joy and make everyone happy. May God have mercy upon the late artist’s soul and give his family patience and solace,” via his official Twitter account.

Ghanem leaves behind wife and actress Dalal Abd Al-Aziz, who remains in hospital for treatment after contracting Covid-19. Together they have two daughters; popular Egyptian actresses Donia Samir Ghanem and Amy Samir Ghanem.

Although Ghanem is gone from our world, he lives on through his immortal works, not only for today’s viewers but for generations to come.

You live Samoura in our smiles and laughs forever.