Min. of Culture: Gamil Rateb will forever be remembered through his works

CAIRO – 19 September 2018: Minister of Culture Inas Abdel Dayem along with all ministries and official entities, mourned with great sadness the loss of veteran actor Gamil Rateb, who passed away during the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 92, after a long struggle with sickness.

The minister stated that the artist was one of the few talents that remained from the golden age. The death of the veteran artist is considered a great loss for Egypt, not just the film industry. The minister further stated that the artist left us physically, but will always remain with us through his works and enriching career.

Actresses Dorra, Mona Zaki, Ghada Abdel Razek and Hend Sabry were the first to mourn the late legendary artist.

Gamil Rateb was an Egyptian-French actor; he appeared in television and film productions and briefly in theatre throughout his 65-year career. He was known for numerous villainous roles and for his appearance in “Lawrence of Arabia”. Being born in 1926 in Cairo to an Egyptian family known for their love of arts, he was soon sent to study arts in Paris. His love for performance came from French theatre, which he studied at the University of France, before making his film debut in 1945. He was a much awarded actor in both his native Egypt and in France, having worked in both countries, including being given the legion of honor.

The late artist spoke both fluent Arabic, English and French. Rateb used to act in French plays during his stay in France. The late artist was a candidate for the role of "Khalid Safwan" in "El-Karnak" movie, but due to his accent he got deprived to perform the role, and eventually performed by late artist "Kamal El-Shenawy". Rateb also worked in the Tunisian and French cinema.

The following are some of the movies in which the late artist participated and starred in:

- “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962)
- “A Summer in La Goulette” (1996)
- “The Baby Doll Night” (2008)
- “Adieu Bonaparte” (1985)
- “Shafika and Metwali” (1979)
- “The Aquarium” (2008)
- “El Keif” (1985)

The French Embassy in Egypt has officially expressed their deep condolences and sorrow for Rateb’s loss.