Forty-four years since we lost one of Egypt’s finest actors. Rushdy Abaza remains as alive today as he was when he was still with us. His cinema is ever-young. His screen presence is infectiously ebullient.
On Abaza's 44th death anniversary, here are some of the interesting facts about the so-called Don Juan of Egypt's Cinema:
Abaza, who is regarded as the most renowned name in the history of Egyptian cinema, was born on the third of August, 1926 to an Italian mother and an Egyptian father of Turkish origin.
His successful film career began after the success of the film Conspiracy (1953) by Kamal El-Sheikh, where he played a young man coming between an innocent wife (Madiha Youssri) and her husband (Yehia Chahine). During that time many directors have written their roles in front of them.
He was one of the most popular villains, comedians, and romantic 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).
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 who 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 passed away on July 27, 1980, leaving fans heartbroken. His death was a big loss for the industry.
He also won numerous awards for his major roles in Port Said (1957), Way of Hope (1957), and A Woman on the Road (1958), which heralded Abaza’s artistic maturity.
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