CAIRO,— Samiha Ayoub, one of Egypt’s most celebrated figures in theater and film, died on Tuesday, June 3, at the age of 93, according to the Egyptian Actors’ Syndicate.
Known as “The Lady of Arab Theatre,” Ayoub began her acting career at 15, debuting in the 1947 film The Vagabond, followed by Love (1948).
In 1949, she enrolled at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts, where she trained under renowned theater director Zaki Toleimat.
After graduating in 1953, Ayoub built a career spanning decades in both theater and cinema. Among her early works was the 1950s film Shati’ Al-Gharam (“Beach of Love”).
She was appointed to lead the National Theatre twice, between 1975 and 1989, and previously directed the Modern Theatre from 1972 to 1975.
According to the Syndicate, Ayoub appeared in nearly 170 plays in addition to numerous roles in television and film.
Her final screen appearance came in the 2024 film Eid Night, alongside Yousra El Lozy, Riham Abdel Ghafour, Abeer Sabry, Naglaa Badr, and Hanady Mehana. The film was written by Ahmed Abdullah and directed by Sameh Abdel Aziz.
Ayoub received numerous honors from Arab and international institutions for her contributions to the performing arts.
In 2015, Ayoub was awarded the Nile Award in the Arts, considered among Egypt’s highest honors in the cultural field. That same year, the main hall of the Egyptian National Theatre was renamed in her honor—an enduring symbol of her lasting legacy in the Arab world’s artistic life.
In related news, veteran Egyptian actor Naeem Issa died in May 2025 at the age of 92 following complications from pneumonia. Issa was known for his roles alongside celebrated comedian Adel Imam and was a familiar face in Egyptian comedy films.
(With files from Agencies | wikimpedia)
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