Today marks the 85th birth anniversary of legendary Egypt's comedian Youssif Dawoud, best known for playing "Zimbawy" role in the El-Zaeem play (1993).
Dawoud is more than a comic genius. His comic timing and marvelous acting are known and appreciated by the audience and the charismatic actor-comedian has induced fits of laughter among many Arab generations and many more to come.
Born as Youssef Guirguis Salib in March 1938 in Alexandria, he received his degree in engineering from Cairo University in 1960. He worked in that field until 1985, when he started dedicating himself to acting.
Throughout his long-standing career, Dawood has featured in numerous plays, television series, and films that have made the audience laugh, cry and feel for years.
At the age of 45, he made his showbiz debut in ''Ziqaq Al-Midaq" play, as a bit player, then he started getting recognized and bigger roles came his way.
In 1990, he starred in a successful film titled "The Demon woman who loved Me," with Mohamed Sobhi and Leblba, directed by Samir Seif.
Dawoud, who was cited as one of the most talented Egyptian comedians of his generation, also acted opposite the legendary actor and comedy superstar Adel Imam along with late Ragaa Al Geddawy and veteran Ahmed Ratib in 'El-Zaeem' "The Leader" play, directed by renowned Egypt's director Sherif Arafa.
The late iconic comedian is well-known for his major and remarkable roles in many plays, such as 'El-Wad Sayed El-Shaghal' (Sayed The Servant), the films 'Toyour El-Zalam' (Birds of the Darkness), 'Samak Laban Tamr Hendi' (Fish Milk and Tamarind), 'El-Nemr Wal Ontha' (The Tiger and the Woman), 'Karakoon Fil Sharea' (Karakoon in the Street) and 'Omaret Yaqubian' (Yacoubian Building).
He was a receptionist of numerous awards in cinema and theatre, the last of which was the prestigious award of the Catholic Centre for Cinema.
In 2012, the most acclaimed comedian passed away at the age of 74 after spending less than a week in the hospital due to a sudden decline in health.