Iconic Gulf Actress Hayat Al Fahad Dies at 78

Iconic Kuwaiti actress Hayat Al Fahad, widely known as the “Lady of the Gulf Screen," died on Tuesday after a battle with illness. She was 78.

Al Fahad's death was announced on the Al Fahad Artistic Production Foundation's official Instagram account, which paid tribute to her as a towering figure in Gulf drama who leaves behind "a timeless legacy that will be remembered for generations".

Prior to her death, Al Fahad had faced recurring health complications in past months, which kept her away from the screen.

Sources close to the family said her condition deteriorated sharply in recent days, leading to her admission to the intensive care unit.

Rumours about Al Fahad’s failing health circulated widely last year after she underwent a catheterisation procedure at the end of July following a stroke.

Khalid Al-Rashed, president of the Kuwaiti Union for Artistic and Theatrical Production and Entertainment Professionals, said at the time that Al-Fahad suffered a second stroke during treatment, but added that it was successful and that she remained in intensive care at a hospital in Kuwait.

Over a career spanning more than five decades, Al Fahad was not only an actress but also a writer and producer, known for works that explored Gulf society with depth and candour.

Born in Kuwait in 1948, Al Fahad is regarded as one of the Arab world’s most influential television and stage figures.

She made her acting debuted in the TV series "Bu Jassum's Family" in 1962.

The Gulf icon appeared in more than 50 TV series and movies during her seven-decade career, including "Khalti Qumasha," "Ruqiya wa Sabika," "Jarh Al Zaman," and '"ndama Tu'Gany Al Zuhor".

She continued to rise to fame and became a pioneer in the field for decades and career spanning acting, broadcasting, writing, and producing.

Despite advancing age, she remained active in Ramadan productions until her later years, delivering performances marked by experience and enduring passion.

Her death marks the end of a defining chapter in Gulf television, though her work will continue to resonate across the Arab world.