Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Today Marks 16th Death Anniv. of Laila Fawzy


Wed 12 Jan 2022 | 11:04 AM
Ahmed Emam

Egypt’s showbiz has witnessed several iconic pretty actresses over the years who have won millions of hearts with their beauty, panache, and acting prowess.

These stunning ladies have left a forever mark on the hearts of Arab fans with their impressive line of work.

Among these was Laila Fawzy who had carved a niche for herself with her simplicity, great talent, and impressing skills in front of the camera.

The most acclaimed actress in her heydays was a treat to watch on the big screen and her demise had left millions of hearts broken.

She was born in Istanbul in 1918 to a father who was an Egyptian silk fabric dealer and a mother of aristocratic Turkish origin.

She made her movie debut with remarkable actor and director Anwar Wagdy and comedian Ismail Yassin in ‘Masna’a Elnesa’ Wives Factory (1941).

Often referred to as the ‘The most beautiful woman in her generation,’ Fawzy gave numerous films that garnered attention from people across the Arab world.

She started her breakthrough in cinema, after winning the Miss Egypt beauty contest in 1940.

Meanwhile, a number of Egyptian and American renowned magazines labeled her as the best new face when she was yet to turn 19.

Fawzy shot to fame with her success in ‘Saladean’ (Saladin the Victorious) as Princess Virginia and many remarkable films and stunning performances followed suit. Her performance in ‘Arabian Nights’ won her much praise from her fans and critics alike.

Moreover, Fawzy ‘s participation in ‘Ana Bnt Meen’ along with veterans Faried Shawky, Hussain Ryad, and Fakher Fakher, established the idea of a younger cinema that prevailed afterward.

Fawzy, who was one of the finest actresses that the Egyptian film industry could ever have, is well known for her seminal works, such as Arabian Nights, The Victorious Salah Eldin, Hell’s Ambassador, ‘Set Elhosn‘, and The Ladies of Garden City.

She is also known for joint collaborations and associations with legendary Egyptian actors like the late remarkable actor Omar El Sherif, Abdel-Halim, and Yehia Shahin.

The gorgeous actress was married three times to Egyptian actor Aziz OsmanAnwar WagdiGalal Moawad and had no children. In the early 2000s, the iconic actress decided to quit showbiz altogether.

In 2005, she passed away at the age of 87 following a battle with aged chronic diseases.