Iconic Actress Samiha Ayoub Dies at 93

Veteran Egyptian actress Samiha Ayoub died on Tuesday at the age of 93, leaving behind a rich legacy.

Details regarding the consolation marquee and the funeral have not been revealed yet.

Dubbed Arab Theater Lady, Ayoub has a vast artistic career that spanned over 50 years. She is known for her work on stage, in cinema, and on television. 

Ayoub was born in 1932 and began her acting career at the age of 15 by participating in the movie "The Vagabond" (1947). 

She graduated from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in 1953, where she was taught by the playwright Zaki Tulaimat. From 1972 to 1975, Ayoub managed The Modern Theatre, and from 1975 to 1985, she was the director of The Egyptian National Theatre.

Throughout her artistic career, she has presented more than 260 film, TV, and theatrical productions, including 170 plays alone. 

Her distinguished film contributions include “Ard el-Nefaq”, “Fagr el-Islam”, and “Bein al-Atlal,” while her notable television works include “El Doo’ el-Shared”, “Awan el-Ward”, and “El-Masrawiya.”

Ayoub was honored by President Gamal Abdel Nasser, President Anwar Sadat, Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, and French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. 

In 2015, she received the Nile Award in the Arts, and in the same year, the large hall at The Egyptian National Theatre was named after her, in honour of her outstanding career in cinema and theatre, and her contributions to the theatrical arts in Egypt.

In 2021, after a hiatus of 11 years, Ayoub was back on the theater stage through the play” Almaz W Se Abdou’’ directed by Mazen el Gharabawy.

The legendary actress made her last onscreen appearance in the 2024 star-studded film “Leilet El Eid” (Eid night).