Latest news with #LotfyLabib
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Lotfy Labib (1947-2025): A unique talent
Last Tuesday, while this newspaper went to print, my colleague called to say that actor Lotfy Labib had been admitted to the intensive care and his condition did not bode well. He advised me to start putting together an obituary, but I was too sad to be rushed and I felt I needed time to give the comedian who had delighted so Egyptians for over 30 years his dues. On Wednesday the news of Labib passing at the age of 77 came through. Labib was born on 18 August 1947 in Beni Suef. He graduated from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in 1970 and three years later he became one of the heroes of the 6 October War. Labib's career was slightly delayed due to his military service, which lasted for six years. He participated in a number of TV series in the late 1970s. In 1981 he starred in the play Al-Moghaneya Al-Salaa (The Bald Singer), directed by Samir Al-Asfouri, and in 1982 he starred in another play Al-Rahaen (The Hostages), directed by Fahmi Al-Khouli. When Lotfy Labib's name is mentioned the first thing that comes to mind is a scene in Sherif Arafa's Al-Sefara fil Omara (The Embassy Is in the Building), in which he played the role of the Israeli ambassador to Egypt David Cohen: holding a tiny cake and singing happy birthday in his distinctive voice for the benefit of his neighbour Sherif Khairy (Adel Imam), who has returned after many years abroad to find himself in this politically charged situation. Here as elsewhere Labib was one of the most remarkable actors in supporting roles, well-known for his versatility: he performed comedy and drama in theatre, television, cinema and even, early on, in radio. In the 2000s Labib made the supporting role indispensable in such films as Gaana Al-Bayan Al-Talli (Breaking News, 2001), where he played the head of a news channel named Fakhri with comedian Mohamed Heneidi; he also left an indelible mark on Heneidi's Yana Ya Khalti (Either Me or My Auntie, 2005). He participated in Harmeya fi Thailand (Thieves in Thailand, 2003), directed by Sandra Nashaat and starring Karim Abdel-Aziz and Hanan Turk, and starred with Mohamed Saad in Al-Lembi (2002), directed by Wael Ihsan. Also with Wael Ihsan and Karim Abdel-Aziz, Labib participated in Al-Basha Telmiz (The Student Cop, 2004), playing the role of the father of Ingy (played by Ghada Adel). He joined forces again with Mohamed Saad in Karkar (2007), starring alongside Yasmine Abdel-Aziz, Hassan Hosni, Ragaa Al-Gedawi and Alaa Morsi. Labib also played the role of Sarnaqosi in the hilarious comedy H Dabour (2008), starring Ahmed Mekki and directed by Ahmed Al-Gendi. In 1983 he participated in the second part of the TV series Abwab Al-Madina (Doors of the City), with director Fakhreddine Salah and screenwriter Osama Anwar Okasha. In 1986 he took part in the series Rehlet Abul-Ela Al-Beshri (The Journey of Abul-Ela Al-Beshri, 1986), with the late renowned Mahmoud Morsi, director Mohamed Fadel and screenwriter Osama Anwar Okasha. He also had a role in Okasha's series Arabesque (1994), directed by Gamal Abdel-Hamid and starring Salah Al-Saadani. He contributed a small role to filmmaker Mohamed Khan's film Awdet Mowaten (Return of a Citizen, 1986), starring Yehia Al-Fakharani and Mervat Amin. In 2006, Labib played the role of Abdo Abdel-Aal in Kamla Abu-Zekri's Malek wi Ketaba (Double Faces). His most recent works include the Ramadan TV series Rageen Ya Hawa (Back to Love, 2022), directed by Mohamed Salama and Naql Aam (Public Transport), another series starring Mahmoud Hemeida, directed by Adel Adib. He also starred in the comedy film Wesh fi Wesh (Face to Face), directed by Walid Al-Halafawi, playing Farga Al-Sheibi, the divorce lawyer consulted via video call, during which he quarrels with his counterpart. His last appearance was in the TV series Banat Hammam (Hammam's Daughters, 2025), directed by Karim Refaat. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Watani
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Watani
Good bye Lotfy Labib (1947 – 2025)
The Coptic Orthodox Church issued a statement mourning Coptic actor Lotfy Labib who departed the world on 30 July, aged 78. Mr Labib passed away in a Cairo hospital after a prolonged illness. The Church statement commemorated Mr Labib as an artist who 'leaves behind a distinguished and enduring legacy of diverse artistic contributions, spanning both the public arena and Christian-themed works.' The Church remains confident, the statement read, that Mr Labib will go down in the history of cinema, theatre, and television, and in the hearts of his fans as the great actor he was. 'We pray to the Lord for eternal rest to the soul of the late gifted artist, and that the Lord bestows comfort upon his family, loved ones, and fans,' the statement read. Born in Beni Sweif in 1947, Mr Labib graduated from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in 1970, but made his artisitc debut years later. Meanwhile, he had completed his military service and taken part in the 1973 October War, then travelled abroad for four years. He excelled in dramatic and comedic roles, and was known for his warm distinctive voice. Mr Labib starred in some 200 movies and 20 television series. He was a beloved and respected actor, close to the heart of his colleagues and fans. He was particularly admired for his sense of humour and commitment to his profession and fans. He played memorable roles in Christian films depicting saints. Mr Labib leaves behind three daughters; Katia, Kristina and Carmen. Comments comments Tags: Lotfy Labib (1947 - 2025)Michael Girgis
Egypt Independent
30-07-2025
- Health
- Egypt Independent
Renowned Egyptian actor Lotfy Labib passes away at 77
Veteran Egyptian actor Lotfy Labib passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 77. His health had rapidly deteriorated after he suffered a severe laryngeal hemorrhage due to pneumonia. The late actor had recently clarified his prolonged absence, emphasizing that he wasn't on a voluntary break but rather facing a reality imposed by his health conditions. 'I'm not on vacation… I've had a brain clot for seven years now, and in the past eight years, I might have worked one day a year. I think that's called retirement,' he had stated. Labib had been hospitalized days prior and was moved to the intensive care unit due to severe inflammation in his larynx and lungs, which completely prevented him from speaking. This further worsened his condition. Fans had been anxiously awaiting his recovery and his customary reassurances. Director Mohamed Al Deeb, Labib's business manager, announced the date and location of the funeral: 'The funeral will be tomorrow at noon from St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Heliopolis.'
The National
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Egyptian actor Lotfy Labib dies aged 77
Actor Lotfy Labib died aged 77 on Tuesday, confirmed the Egyptian Actors' Syndicate. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at St Mark's Church in Heliopolis, Cairo. 'Indeed we belong to God, and indeed to Him we shall return,' read the syndicate's Facebook statement. 'The Actors' Syndicate, under the leadership of Dr Ashraf Zaki and the board of directors, mourns with deep sorrow the passing of the esteemed artist Lotfy Labib. We extend our sincere condolences to his honourable family, praying that God bestows His vast mercy upon him and grants his loved ones patience and solace in this painful loss.' Labib reportedly spent his final days in a Cairo hospital after complications arose from surgery to remove a tumour in his throat. A stroke in 2017 had already curtailed his screen roles and public appearances. Tributes have poured in from his peers, with Egyptian actor Karim Abdel Aziz describing Labib as a 'professor' of the craft. 'I was honoured to work with him many times. He was always the kind, cultured artist,' said Aziz. Actor Youssef El Sherif said: 'May God have mercy on the great artist Lotfy Labib and grant patience to his family and loved ones.' Born in 1947 in the town of Tahta in the Upper Egyptian governorate of Sohag, Labib began acting after completing his military service, in which he served on the frontline during the 1973 Yom Kippur War – an experience he recounted in his 2010 Arabic memoir Battalion 26. He went on to appear in more than 350 roles across film, television and theatre, and was renowned for his dynamic range – naturally inhabiting both comedic and dramatic parts. One of his most celebrated roles came in Adel Imam 's 2005 political satire The Embassy in the Building, where he played an Israeli ambassador. Labib's quiet authority on screen also made him a natural fit for paternal roles – and he was often cast as a doctor, judge or government official. His final film role came in the 2024 comedy Ana W Ibn Khalti, alongside Bayoumi Fouad.
Al-Ahram Weekly
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Renowned Egyptian actor Lotfy Labib passes away at 77 - Screens - Arts & Culture
Lotfy Labib, the renowned Egyptian actor celebrated for his distinctive voice and remarkable versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, 30 July, at the age of 77. Born on 18 August 1947 in the city of Beni Suef, Labib began his journey in acting at the High Cinema Institute, graduating in 1970. His career was delayed for a decade, however, as he joined the military and took part in the October War of 1973, before spending four years abroad. Upon his return in the early 1980s, Labib quickly left a unique imprint on Egypt's film, television, and theatre scenes. His talents made him a favourite among directors, especially in comedic roles, where he often appeared alongside stars such as Adel Imam, Mohamed Henidy, Ahmed Helmy, and Ahmed El-Sakka. Over the decades, he built a portfolio that exceeded 300 works. Some of his best-known film roles include Ga'ana Al-Bayan Al-Taly (Breaking News, 2000), The Embassy in the Building (2005), Morgan Ahmed Morgan (2007), Wahed Sefr (2009), Bobbos (2009), A'ssal Eswed (Molasses, 2010), Zahaimar (2010), Baba (2012), and Mawlana (2017). His most recent films include 2024 productions such as Maasoom, Ana w Ebn Khalti (My Cousin and I), and Al-Sharabiya. Labib also appeared in over 200 television series, including Al-Malek Farouk (King Farouk, 2007), Al-Aqrab (The Scorpion, 2013), Wanus (2017), Bashtery Ragel (2017), and Awlad Abed (2023), among many others. His recognizable voice made him a sought-after voice actor for dubbing and narration roles. While primarily known for screen roles, Labib also appeared on stage on occasion, earning critical acclaim for performances that showcased his live-acting talent and dedication to the craft. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
