Remembering Sayed Zaian on His Death Anniversary

Today, April 14, marks the death anniversary of the legendary Egyptian comedian actor Sayd Zayan.

Zayan is more than a comic genius. Born in 1940, he is also one of the most acclaimed and iconic actors ever, having risen to fame in the black & white era of Egyptian cinema history.

The late star became a comedy icon through his performance on screen, with a career spanning more than four decades.

Zayan also has been the definition and benchmark of comedy for a long time now. His great works have made the world of theater and cinema laugh, cry and feel for years and still continue to leave its charm.

He made his acting debut starring alongside late Fouad El-Mohandes in the 1975 play “Sayidaty el-Gamila” (My Fair Lady).

Zayan made his breakthrough in the 1973 comedy play "Madrasat El-Moshaghebeen" (School of the Mischievous). He also gained much praise for his role in the 1983 action comedy film "El-Motasawel", in which he stars alongside Adel Imam as Khalil the Idiot, a member of a street gang.

The late actor was a great theater enthusiast, along with legendary names such as Adel Imam, Samir Ghanem, and Saeed Saleh during the 80s and 90s.

He starred in numerous theatrical plays, including “El-Askry el-Akhdar” (Green Soldier), “El-Fahlawy” (The Hustler), “El-Parachute”, “El-Qashash”, “Kahyoun Rabah El-Million” (Kahyoun Won The Million), “Khod el-Floos Wegry” (Take the Money and Run) and “Wahed Lamon Wel Tani Magnon”, among others.

During the summer season, the plays performed by Zayan were usually fully booked.

He presented Mohamed Henedy in the 1985 play"Abu Zeid" as he strongly believed in his talent.

Zayan also presented the talented comedian Ahmed Adam to the theatrical scene until he managed to reach stardom.

Apart from acting, he also had a marvelous voice when singing folklore songs and when reciting the holy Quran as well. His father wanted him to become a Quran reciter, and Zayan managed to memorize most of the holy book when he was only a teenager.

In 2003, the late star suffered a stroke, leaving him partially paralyzed and unable to walk and speak. After years of physiotherapy and treatment in KSA, in 2011 Zayan regained the ability to walk. 

The actor passed away on April 13, 2016.