Facts about Late Rushdy Abaza on Birth Anniversary

Men may come, Men may go but their memories stay forever and remain in our minds. This is exactly what happens with legends like Rushdy Abaza, the so-called Don Juan.

Abaza is the most renowned name in the history of Egyptian cinema. He was born on the third of August, 1926 to an Italian mother and an Egyptian father of Turkish origin.

In 1948, the maven director Kamal Barakat was looking for a new face and a young man with aristocratic features to play the leading role in The Little Millionaire.

Barakat was attracted to Abaza's western countenance and handsomeness, which met the age’s standards.

Abaza had the good looks of an Italian-Egyptian; alongside his good acting skills, athletic physique, light-heartedness, and charisma. Thus, he chose him for the main role.

In the following year, director Kamal El-Sheikh chose him to play the leading role in Conspiracy (1953), with female lead Madiha Youssry. Then came his lucky break in They Made Me a Criminal (1954, Atef Salem); putting him in the ‘jeune premier’ lineup, a position he retained for almost twenty years.

According to Elcinema, Abaza married five times; the first was famous dancer Taheya Carioca, lasting for three years. The second was an American lady named Barbrawho is the mother of her daughter Kismit.

The third was an Egyptian belly dancer named Samya Gamal. After he married the veteran actress and dancer Gamal, both paired a group of successful movies.

Later, he was in a relationship with Lebanon's actress and singer Sabah who married Abaza briefly.

Their marriage fell apart because he was cheating on her, according to the media.

His last marriage was to one of his relatives, who lived with him until his death.

Abaza was one of the most popular romantic film stars, starring in films such as ‘Al-Ragol Al-Thany’, The Second Man, An Angel and a Devil, In A Man in Our Home, Way of Hope (1957),  Life is Gone My Son (1978), and My Dear Daughter (1971).

Abaza passed away on July 27, 1980, leaving fans heartbroken. His death was a big loss for the industry.