Commemorating Late Rushdi Abaza on His 97th Birth Anniv.

On Wednesday, August 2, legendary actor Rushdi Abaza would have turned 97.

The so-called Don Juan of Egypt's Cinema was born on this day to an Italian mother and an Egyptian father of Turkish origin. He is regarded as one of the most acclaimed actors in the history of Egyptian cinema.

In a career that spanned four decades, he received multiple awards for his leading performances in "Port Said" (1957), "Way of Hope" (1957), and "A Woman on the Road" (1958), which marked Abaza's artistic growth and development.

After his role in Kamal El-Sheikh's successful film "Conspiracy" (1953), where he played a young man who comes between an innocent wife (Madiha Youssri) and her husband (Yehia Chahine), he quickly became a household name. Many screenwriters began writing roles specifically for him during this time.

He was known for his versatility as an actor, playing the roles of villains, comedians, and romantic leads in popular films like "The Second Man," "An Angel and a Devil," "In A Man in Our Home," "Way of Hope," "Life is Gone My Son," and "My Dear Daughter."

In 1948, renowned director Kamal Barakat was searching for a new face to play the leading role in "The Little Millionaire." He was instantly drawn to Abaza's Western looks, athleticism, and charisma, and cast him in the main role.

The following year, Abaza was chosen by director Kamal El-Sheikh to play the leading role in "Conspiracy" (1953), opposite Madiha Youssry.

Abaza's breakthrough role came in "They Made Me a Criminal" (1954, Atef Salem), which solidified his position as a leading actor for almost two decades.

It is known that Abaza entered into five marriages in his lifetime. His first wife was the renowned dancer Taheya Carioca, and their marriage lasted for three years. He then wed an American lady named Barbara, who gave birth to their daughter Kismit. His third marriage was to an Egyptian belly dancer named Samya Gamal, and together they appeared in several successful movies.

Later on, Abaza had a brief marriage with Lebanon's actress and singer Sabah. Unfortunately, their relationship fell apart due to rumors of his infidelity, as reported by the media.

Abaza's last wife was one of his relatives. and they lived together until his passing on July 27, 1980.