Remembering Abdel-Moneim Madbouly on His Birth Anniv.

Today marks the 100th birth anniversary of late Egypt's star Abdel-Moneim Madbouly, who has been the definition and benchmark of comedy for a long time now. 

Madbouly was the most sought-after actor throughout the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and early 80s as he stood for a kind of comic relief that defined the spirit of his times, according to critics.

He was renowned for his comedic monologues and children's songs, which he performed and recorded throughout most of his 50-year career.

The legendary actor worked in over 70 films and 30 plays throughout his career and is regarded as the father of comedy theater in Egypt.

The iconic actor was never cast as a leading man, coming closest in playing joint leading roles like in Quarter of a Dozen Villains (1970) directed by the maven filmmaker Nagdy Hafez. However, Madbouly left his mark and a trace in every role he performed, no matter how small.

The remarkable actor was born in the Bab El-Shereya district in Old Cairo in December 1921, to a middle-class family.

While in school, Madbouly developed an interest in theater and made his public acting debut at a school concert.

In 1946, Madbouly enrolled in the School of Applied Arts.

After graduation, he started his career with renowned comedian Fouad El-Mohandes and the late star Amin Elhandy on the Radio with the renowned comedy sketch 'Sa'a Le Qalbk’, which had its heyday in the 1950s.

Thereafter, Madbouly joined the Television Theatre in the 1960s, where he was acting in dozens of dramatic, classical, and romantic plays on stage.

His first breakthrough came with his role in the popular movie Mutual Love (1951).

From that moment on, he never looked back and soon emerged as one of the Egyptian cinema’s most sought-after comedians.

Films like The School of Mischief (1973), In Al-Hawa Sawa( 1951), My Mom and Me (1957), Me and My Heart (1957), Love Festival (1958), Between Heaven and Earth (1959), and others earned him a place in Egypt's film industry.

The remarkable actor was the recipient of numerous awards and nominations for excellence throughout his successful career, including the Zaki Talimat Festival Award, President Anwar Sadat's Art Appreciation Certificate, and Egypt's Medal of Science and Arts, First Class.

His last film 'Aorid Khola'an' was released in 2005.

He passed away in 2006, leaving fans heartbroken. His death was a big loss for the industry.