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Gone but not forgotten: Arab celebs we said farewell to in 2015

Published December 17th, 2015 - 12:36 GMT

Tragedy after tragedy struck the region’s entertainment industry this year, forcing us to say farewell to some of the greatest artists in Arab music and cinema to date. We were deeply saddened at the losses of icons like Nour el Sherif and Ibrahim Yousri, and shocked by the deaths of young artists Mirna El-Mohandes and Issam Breidy. 

They may be gone, but their legacy will not be forgotten. Here’s an Al Bawaba tribute to many of the talented musicians, actors, and poets that passed away in 2015. May they rest in peace.

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Egyptian actors and former married couple Faten Hamama & Omar Sharif both passed this year. Hamama, AKA Lady of the Arabic Screen, died aged 83 on Jan. 18, leaving a legacy of nearly 100 films. Six months later, Sharif, best known for blockbusters "Funny Girl" and "Lawrence of Arabia”, also died from a heart attack.

Egyptian actors and former married couple Faten Hamama & Omar Sharif both passed this year. Hamama, AKA Lady of the Arabic Screen, died aged 83 on Jan. 18, leaving a legacy of nearly 100 films. Six months later, Sharif, best known for blockbusters "Funny Girl" and "Lawrence of Arabia”, also died from a heart attack.

"Alhaj Metwalli" and "Haroun Rashid" star Nour el Sherif died aged 69 on Aug. 11 at a Cairo hospital after battling a prolonged illness. Last year, el Sherif was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2014 for his career that spans half a century.

"Alhaj Metwalli" and "Haroun Rashid" star Nour el Sherif died aged 69 on Aug. 11 at a Cairo hospital after battling a prolonged illness. Last year, el Sherif was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2014 for his career that spans half a century.

Too young to lose, actress Mirna El-Mohandes died on Aug. 5, aged only 36, after suffering from a rare form of blood cancer. Her impact on the small screen started at age nine, when she appeared in several commercials, but she’s most famous for the TV show "Yawmeyat Wanis" and the movie "Ayazuno".

Too young to lose, actress Mirna El-Mohandes died on Aug. 5, aged only 36, after suffering from a rare form of blood cancer. Her impact on the small screen started at age nine, when she appeared in several commercials, but she’s most famous for the TV show "Yawmeyat Wanis" and the movie "Ayazuno".

Ali Hasanain, best known for his epic roles in "The King is the King" and "Apple," died aged 76 on Aug. 12, only a week after Nour el Sherif passed. Born and buried in Alexandria, the Egyptian actor’s funeral was held in Cairo.

Ali Hasanain, best known for his epic roles in "The King is the King" and "Apple," died aged 76 on Aug. 12, only a week after Nour el Sherif passed. Born and buried in Alexandria, the Egyptian actor’s funeral was held in Cairo.

Saudi TV presenter Saud al Dosari passed away suddenly from a heart attack in Paris on Aug. 7, leaving the Arab world in saddened shock. The 46-year-old MBC host won the "Best Arab TV Presenter" award in 1995, as well as the Gordon Awards trophy in 2010.

Saudi TV presenter Saud al Dosari passed away suddenly from a heart attack in Paris on Aug. 7, leaving the Arab world in saddened shock. The 46-year-old MBC host won the "Best Arab TV Presenter" award in 1995, as well as the Gordon Awards trophy in 2010.

Lebanese actor Issam Breidy passed away on Apr. 12 after a traffic accident in Beirut's al-Dora area. Born in 1980 in the town of al-Faitroun, he studied fine arts at the Lebanese University and enjoyed a successful career in theater, cinema, and television.

Lebanese actor Issam Breidy passed away on Apr. 12 after a traffic accident in Beirut's al-Dora area. Born in 1980 in the town of al-Faitroun, he studied fine arts at the Lebanese University and enjoyed a successful career in theater, cinema, and television.

Syrian actress Randa Mirashli died on Oct. 21 aged 39 after a three-year battle with cancer. The mother of three breathed her last breath at the Italian Hospital in Damascus after going into a coma due to her incurable condition.

Syrian actress Randa Mirashli died on Oct. 21 aged 39 after a three-year battle with cancer. The mother of three breathed her last breath at the Italian Hospital in Damascus after going into a coma due to her incurable condition.

Syrian actor Amer al Subaie died from a heart attack on Oct. 19 in Alexandria. The late actor comes from a family of entertainers; his father is actor Rafeeq al Subaie, and his brother is director Seifeddine al Subaie. Amer was best known for his iconic roles as in the TV series "Al Dabboor" and "Ahel Al Raya."

Syrian actor Amer al Subaie died from a heart attack on Oct. 19 in Alexandria. The late actor comes from a family of entertainers; his father is actor Rafeeq al Subaie, and his brother is director Seifeddine al Subaie. Amer was best known for his iconic roles as in the TV series "Al Dabboor" and "Ahel Al Raya."

Egyptian artist Saeed Tarabeek suffered a heart attack and passed away in Nov. aged 74, leaving behind his 35-year-old pregnant wife, actress Sarah Tarek. His cause of death was highly controversial with some accusing the artist of using stimulants.

Egyptian artist Saeed Tarabeek suffered a heart attack and passed away in Nov. aged 74, leaving behind his 35-year-old pregnant wife, actress Sarah Tarek. His cause of death was highly controversial with some accusing the artist of using stimulants.

Egyptian Actor Sami El-Adl died aged 69 on July 10. The ‘Jewish Alley’ star suffered a heart attack after maintaining his seat in the cinema spotlight for over 40 years with 55 films on his belt.

Egyptian Actor Sami El-Adl died aged 69 on July 10. The ‘Jewish Alley’ star suffered a heart attack after maintaining his seat in the cinema spotlight for over 40 years with 55 films on his belt.

Actor Ibrahim Yousri suffered from kidney problems and passed at age 65 on April 20 at Misr International Hospital in Giza. Yousri’s career boasts over 126 productions, the most famous of which include ‘Layali El-Helmyia’ and ‘Al-Mal Wal Al-Banon.’

Actor Ibrahim Yousri suffered from kidney problems and passed at age 65 on April 20 at Misr International Hospital in Giza. Yousri’s career boasts over 126 productions, the most famous of which include ‘Layali El-Helmyia’ and ‘Al-Mal Wal Al-Banon.’

Lebanese designer Basil Soda died at the young age of 47 after a two year battle with an illness. The talented artist’s creations have adorned dozens of celebs like Kelly Rowland, Christina Applegate, and Kim Kardashian just to name a few.

Lebanese designer Basil Soda died at the young age of 47 after a two year battle with an illness. The talented artist’s creations have adorned dozens of celebs like Kelly Rowland, Christina Applegate, and Kim Kardashian just to name a few.

One of Egypt's most iconic stars passed away on May 19. Hasan Mustafa died from a heart attack aged 81. Born in 1933, Mustafa shot to fame after starring in a series of Egypt's most classic and timeless plays.

One of Egypt's most iconic stars passed away on May 19. Hasan Mustafa died from a heart attack aged 81. Born in 1933, Mustafa shot to fame after starring in a series of Egypt's most classic and timeless plays.

Egyptian actors and former married couple Faten Hamama & Omar Sharif both passed this year. Hamama, AKA Lady of the Arabic Screen, died aged 83 on Jan. 18, leaving a legacy of nearly 100 films. Six months later, Sharif, best known for blockbusters "Funny Girl" and "Lawrence of Arabia”, also died from a heart attack.
"Alhaj Metwalli" and "Haroun Rashid" star Nour el Sherif died aged 69 on Aug. 11 at a Cairo hospital after battling a prolonged illness. Last year, el Sherif was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2014 for his career that spans half a century.
Too young to lose, actress Mirna El-Mohandes died on Aug. 5, aged only 36, after suffering from a rare form of blood cancer. Her impact on the small screen started at age nine, when she appeared in several commercials, but she’s most famous for the TV show "Yawmeyat Wanis" and the movie "Ayazuno".
Ali Hasanain, best known for his epic roles in "The King is the King" and "Apple," died aged 76 on Aug. 12, only a week after Nour el Sherif passed. Born and buried in Alexandria, the Egyptian actor’s funeral was held in Cairo.
Saudi TV presenter Saud al Dosari passed away suddenly from a heart attack in Paris on Aug. 7, leaving the Arab world in saddened shock. The 46-year-old MBC host won the "Best Arab TV Presenter" award in 1995, as well as the Gordon Awards trophy in 2010.
Lebanese actor Issam Breidy passed away on Apr. 12 after a traffic accident in Beirut's al-Dora area. Born in 1980 in the town of al-Faitroun, he studied fine arts at the Lebanese University and enjoyed a successful career in theater, cinema, and television.
Syrian actress Randa Mirashli died on Oct. 21 aged 39 after a three-year battle with cancer. The mother of three breathed her last breath at the Italian Hospital in Damascus after going into a coma due to her incurable condition.
Syrian actor Amer al Subaie died from a heart attack on Oct. 19 in Alexandria. The late actor comes from a family of entertainers; his father is actor Rafeeq al Subaie, and his brother is director Seifeddine al Subaie. Amer was best known for his iconic roles as in the TV series "Al Dabboor" and "Ahel Al Raya."
Egyptian artist Saeed Tarabeek suffered a heart attack and passed away in Nov. aged 74, leaving behind his 35-year-old pregnant wife, actress Sarah Tarek. His cause of death was highly controversial with some accusing the artist of using stimulants.
Egyptian Actor Sami El-Adl died aged 69 on July 10. The ‘Jewish Alley’ star suffered a heart attack after maintaining his seat in the cinema spotlight for over 40 years with 55 films on his belt.
Actor Ibrahim Yousri suffered from kidney problems and passed at age 65 on April 20 at Misr International Hospital in Giza. Yousri’s career boasts over 126 productions, the most famous of which include ‘Layali El-Helmyia’ and ‘Al-Mal Wal Al-Banon.’
Lebanese designer Basil Soda died at the young age of 47 after a two year battle with an illness. The talented artist’s creations have adorned dozens of celebs like Kelly Rowland, Christina Applegate, and Kim Kardashian just to name a few.
One of Egypt's most iconic stars passed away on May 19. Hasan Mustafa died from a heart attack aged 81. Born in 1933, Mustafa shot to fame after starring in a series of Egypt's most classic and timeless plays.
Egyptian actors and former married couple Faten Hamama & Omar Sharif both passed this year. Hamama, AKA Lady of the Arabic Screen, died aged 83 on Jan. 18, leaving a legacy of nearly 100 films. Six months later, Sharif, best known for blockbusters "Funny Girl" and "Lawrence of Arabia”, also died from a heart attack.
Egyptian actors and former married couple Faten Hamama & Omar Sharif both passed this year. Hamama, AKA Lady of the Arabic Screen, died aged 83 on Jan. 18, leaving a legacy of nearly 100 films. Six months later, Sharif, best known for blockbusters "Funny Girl" and "Lawrence of Arabia”, also died from a heart attack.
"Alhaj Metwalli" and "Haroun Rashid" star Nour el Sherif died aged 69 on Aug. 11 at a Cairo hospital after battling a prolonged illness. Last year, el Sherif was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2014 for his career that spans half a century.
"Alhaj Metwalli" and "Haroun Rashid" star Nour el Sherif died aged 69 on Aug. 11 at a Cairo hospital after battling a prolonged illness. Last year, el Sherif was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2014 for his career that spans half a century.
Too young to lose, actress Mirna El-Mohandes died on Aug. 5, aged only 36, after suffering from a rare form of blood cancer. Her impact on the small screen started at age nine, when she appeared in several commercials, but she’s most famous for the TV show "Yawmeyat Wanis" and the movie "Ayazuno".
Too young to lose, actress Mirna El-Mohandes died on Aug. 5, aged only 36, after suffering from a rare form of blood cancer. Her impact on the small screen started at age nine, when she appeared in several commercials, but she’s most famous for the TV show "Yawmeyat Wanis" and the movie "Ayazuno".
Ali Hasanain, best known for his epic roles in "The King is the King" and "Apple," died aged 76 on Aug. 12, only a week after Nour el Sherif passed. Born and buried in Alexandria, the Egyptian actor’s funeral was held in Cairo.
Ali Hasanain, best known for his epic roles in "The King is the King" and "Apple," died aged 76 on Aug. 12, only a week after Nour el Sherif passed. Born and buried in Alexandria, the Egyptian actor’s funeral was held in Cairo.
Saudi TV presenter Saud al Dosari passed away suddenly from a heart attack in Paris on Aug. 7, leaving the Arab world in saddened shock. The 46-year-old MBC host won the "Best Arab TV Presenter" award in 1995, as well as the Gordon Awards trophy in 2010.
Saudi TV presenter Saud al Dosari passed away suddenly from a heart attack in Paris on Aug. 7, leaving the Arab world in saddened shock. The 46-year-old MBC host won the "Best Arab TV Presenter" award in 1995, as well as the Gordon Awards trophy in 2010.
Lebanese actor Issam Breidy passed away on Apr. 12 after a traffic accident in Beirut's al-Dora area. Born in 1980 in the town of al-Faitroun, he studied fine arts at the Lebanese University and enjoyed a successful career in theater, cinema, and television.
Lebanese actor Issam Breidy passed away on Apr. 12 after a traffic accident in Beirut's al-Dora area. Born in 1980 in the town of al-Faitroun, he studied fine arts at the Lebanese University and enjoyed a successful career in theater, cinema, and television.
Syrian actress Randa Mirashli died on Oct. 21 aged 39 after a three-year battle with cancer. The mother of three breathed her last breath at the Italian Hospital in Damascus after going into a coma due to her incurable condition.
Syrian actress Randa Mirashli died on Oct. 21 aged 39 after a three-year battle with cancer. The mother of three breathed her last breath at the Italian Hospital in Damascus after going into a coma due to her incurable condition.
Syrian actor Amer al Subaie died from a heart attack on Oct. 19 in Alexandria. The late actor comes from a family of entertainers; his father is actor Rafeeq al Subaie, and his brother is director Seifeddine al Subaie. Amer was best known for his iconic roles as in the TV series "Al Dabboor" and "Ahel Al Raya."
Syrian actor Amer al Subaie died from a heart attack on Oct. 19 in Alexandria. The late actor comes from a family of entertainers; his father is actor Rafeeq al Subaie, and his brother is director Seifeddine al Subaie. Amer was best known for his iconic roles as in the TV series "Al Dabboor" and "Ahel Al Raya."
Egyptian artist Saeed Tarabeek suffered a heart attack and passed away in Nov. aged 74, leaving behind his 35-year-old pregnant wife, actress Sarah Tarek. His cause of death was highly controversial with some accusing the artist of using stimulants.
Egyptian artist Saeed Tarabeek suffered a heart attack and passed away in Nov. aged 74, leaving behind his 35-year-old pregnant wife, actress Sarah Tarek. His cause of death was highly controversial with some accusing the artist of using stimulants.
Egyptian Actor Sami El-Adl died aged 69 on July 10. The ‘Jewish Alley’ star suffered a heart attack after maintaining his seat in the cinema spotlight for over 40 years with 55 films on his belt.
Egyptian Actor Sami El-Adl died aged 69 on July 10. The ‘Jewish Alley’ star suffered a heart attack after maintaining his seat in the cinema spotlight for over 40 years with 55 films on his belt.
Actor Ibrahim Yousri suffered from kidney problems and passed at age 65 on April 20 at Misr International Hospital in Giza. Yousri’s career boasts over 126 productions, the most famous of which include ‘Layali El-Helmyia’ and ‘Al-Mal Wal Al-Banon.’
Actor Ibrahim Yousri suffered from kidney problems and passed at age 65 on April 20 at Misr International Hospital in Giza. Yousri’s career boasts over 126 productions, the most famous of which include ‘Layali El-Helmyia’ and ‘Al-Mal Wal Al-Banon.’
Lebanese designer Basil Soda died at the young age of 47 after a two year battle with an illness. The talented artist’s creations have adorned dozens of celebs like Kelly Rowland, Christina Applegate, and Kim Kardashian just to name a few.
Lebanese designer Basil Soda died at the young age of 47 after a two year battle with an illness. The talented artist’s creations have adorned dozens of celebs like Kelly Rowland, Christina Applegate, and Kim Kardashian just to name a few.
One of Egypt's most iconic stars passed away on May 19. Hasan Mustafa died from a heart attack aged 81. Born in 1933, Mustafa shot to fame after starring in a series of Egypt's most classic and timeless plays.
One of Egypt's most iconic stars passed away on May 19. Hasan Mustafa died from a heart attack aged 81. Born in 1933, Mustafa shot to fame after starring in a series of Egypt's most classic and timeless plays.

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