Remembering Mahmoud el-Meliguy, a man of 'symbolic' role

CAIRO – 22 December 2017: The unforgettable Mahmoud el-Meliguy is known to many as an icon of humanized acting, and even as the “Marlon Brando of the East." His life and career perfectly reflect his persona - not that of an on-screen villain, but a character of deep determination and passion.

Mahmoud el-Meliguy was born on December 22 in 1910 in the downtown Cairo district of El-Darb El-Ahmar. Even as a child, he had artistic leanings; Meliguy had a strong passion for music and singing and attended vocal lessons at school against his father’s wishes. Although it appeared that he would pursue music as a career, his path took a sharp turn.

His next stop was an interest in professional boxing. He soon left it behind, but perhaps we can look to this phase in his life as an inspiration for some of his characters’ mentalities.

Even though he had cast these notions away, he was left no less determined and passionate about his interests. The principal of Meliguy’s school had formed an acting club, which Meliguy quickly joined and soon became its president. Through this newfound interest, he organized and performed plays and events, and convinced his peers to join performances as extras.


Late Egyptian actor Mahmoud El Meliguy – Press photo

His career truly began when a school performance at the Azbakeya Theatre caught the attention of Fatma Rushdi, a professional actor in the audience, who actually mistook him for a professional stage actor. Rushdi contacted Meliguy to join a theatre production titled “667 Zaitoon” written by the artist Ahmed Allam. This production was his first of many theatre performances.


Late Egyptian actor Mahmoud El Meliguy – Press photo

His first film was relatively unsuccessful, but it did not prevent him from continuing to pursue acting as part of a number of different acting troupes. In 1939, Meliguy presented his first cinematic role as a villain in the film “Qays and Laila,” this performance, as well as later famous villainous roles, earned him the nickname "Villain of the Screen."

While acting, Meliguy entered the world of film production in 1947, creating films that were said to match his real persona and cinematic philosophy.

Mahmoud el-Meliguy’s non-villainous roles are perhaps best captured in the films of Youssef Chahine, with his performances in “Alexandria...why?”, “The Return of the Lost Son,” “Son of the Nile” and “The Land.” These roles best serve as examples of his multifaceted acting talent.

The star won a number of awards throughout his career, including the Medal of Science and Arts in 1964 and the “Best Actor” title for his performance in “The Land” in 1972.

Mahmoud el-Meliguy’s death in 1983 ended an impressive five-decade career during which he starred in scores of films, television productions and stage productions. Although his legacy is his villainous roles, it is obvious that his determination and passion are what shaped his career.