The Egyptian artist Samiha Ayoub has passed away at the age of 93.
The Egyptian and Arab artistic community lost one of its prominent figures today, Tuesday, June 3, with the passing of the esteemed artist Samiha Ayoub at the age of 93. She leaves behind a rich artistic legacy that spanned over seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Arab theater and cinema.
The artist Monir Makram mourned the deceased on his Facebook account, announcing the news briefly: "To God we belong and to Him we shall return... The esteemed artist Samiha Ayoub," without disclosing details of the funeral arrangements which have not been announced yet.
Samiha Ayoub was born on March 8, 1932, in Shubra neighborhood in Cairo. She graduated from the Higher Institute of Acting under the supervision of Zaki Toleimat, who discovered her talent through the play "Queen's Service," marking the beginning of a long journey in the world of art.
She started her cinematic career early with the film "The Beggar" (1947), and continued with impactful works such as "Land of Hypocrisy" and "Don't Turn Off the Sun," culminating in her recent collaboration with Mohamed Henedy in the film "Tita Rahiba."
In theater, Ayoub made a significant mark by participating in around 170 plays, including "Safety Lane" and "The Minister in Love." She also managed the Modern Theater and the National Theater, and directed several productions, notably "Atiya's Pranks."
The late artist received numerous awards, including the Republic Medal from the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, and the Knight's Medal from former French President Jacques Chirac. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also honored her on official occasions.
In recent months, there were rumors about her health struggles, but she vehemently denied them, stating in a phone call: "All of it is false news... and my health is good," despite visible health signs that raised concerns among her followers.
