Legendary Egyptian Actor Salah Al-Saadani Passes Away at 81

Salah Al-Saadani, one of the most celebrated actors in Egyptian cinema, passed away on Friday at the age of 81. Ashraf Zaki, the chairman of the Egyptian Actors Syndicate, confirmed his death and announced that the funeral was held on April 19, 2024, following the afternoon prayer at the Police Mosque in Sheikh Zayed, Cairo.

Al-Saadani began his acting career at Cairo University Theater and went on to have a successful career spanning nearly 60 years. He was known for his memorable performances in both television and cinema, quickly adapting to the growing television scene in Egypt. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Al-Saadani became a household name, starring in successful TV series such as 'Mother of the Bride,' 'Midnight Train,' 'My Dear Sons... Thanks,' and 'Wife First to Know.'

His most iconic role was as 'Mayor Suleiman Ghanem' in the series 'Nights of the Dream,' which earned him the title 'mayor of Egyptian drama' from critics. Al-Saadani also made significant contributions to cinema and the stage, performing in notable works like 'The Earth,' 'A Song on the Passage,' 'Life is a Moment,' 'Zahrat Al Sabbar,' 'Al Malik howa alMalik,' and films such as 'Shayatin el lail,' 'Le piège,' and 'Beggars and Noblemen.'

His television work, particularly in series like 'Layali al-Helmaya' and 'Qasr Al Shawq,' left a lasting impact on his audience. Al-Saadani reached the peak of his success after playing the character of 'Mayor Suleiman Ghanem' in the popular series 'Layali Al-Helmeya.'

Why this matters: Salah Al-Saadani's passing marks the end of an era in Egyptian drama. His dynamic performances and deep understanding of character nuance captivated audiences for several decades, leaving an unforgettable mark on the industry.

Al-Saadani chose to retire from acting 10 years ago, coinciding with his 70th birthday. Safiya Al-Omari, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, bid farewell to the iconic actor, calling him the "Mayor of Arab Drama." Salah Al-Saadani will be remembered as a legendary actor who left behind a legacy of memorable performances that will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.

Key Takeaways

• Renowned Egyptian actor Salah Al-Saadani passed away at 81 on April 19, 2024.
• Al-Saadani had a successful 60-year acting career in TV, film, and theater.
• His iconic role as 'Mayor Suleiman Ghanem' earned him the title 'mayor of Egyptian drama'.
• Al-Saadani retired from acting 10 years ago, coinciding with his 70th birthday.
• He is remembered as a legendary actor who left behind a lasting legacy in the industry.