Hubbry Logo
Nour El-SherifNour El-SherifMain
Open search
Nour El-Sherif
Community hub
Nour El-Sherif
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Nour El-Sherif
Nour El-Sherif
from Wikipedia

Nour El-Sherif (Arabic: نور الشريف; 28 April 1946 – 11 August 2015), born Mohamad Geber Mohamad Abd Allah (Arabic: محمد جابر محمد عبد الله) was a prominent Egyptian actor. He has 6 films in the Top 100 Egyptian films list.

Key Information

El-Sherif was born in the working-class neighbourhood of Sayeda Zainab in Cairo. El-Sherif was married to Poussi (1972–2006) and together they had two daughters, Sarah and Mai. He got divorced from Poussi in 2006 and they reunited in early 2015 during the difficulty of his illness. He also played soccer before choosing acting as a career. Nour El-Sherif is sometimes credited as Nour El Cherif, Nour El-Cherif or Nour Al-Sharif. He died on August 11, 2015, Cairo, Egypt.[1][2][3]

Death

[edit]

Nour El-Sherif died from lung cancer in Cairo at the age of 69 in 2015 after a severe struggle with the disease.

Tribute

[edit]

On 28 April 2021, Google celebrated his 75th birthday with a Google Doodle.[4]

Filmography

[edit]

Selected works

[edit]
Year Title Arabic Title Notes
1967 Kasr El Shawk
1968 Bint Min el Banat
1970 Ashiaa la toshtra
1971 Pleasure and Suffering[5] al-Mutåt wal-Âzab
1971 My Wife and the Dog
1973 Medinet al-Samt
1974 In Summer We Must Love Fel Saif Lazem Nihib
1975 Leqa ma al-madi
1975 Hello, I'm the Cat Alo, ana al-ghetta
1975 Karnak Cafe Al-Karnak
1975 Bloody Sunday Youm El-Ahad El-Damy
1976 La Waqt Lil Demoue
1977 Ota Ala Nar
1977 Sonya and the Madman
1978 Journey Inside a Woman Rehla Dakhel Emraa
1978 Darbet Shams
1978 The Time has gone my Son Wa da al-omr ya waladi
1978 The Last Confession Al-Eeteraf al-Akhir
1978 The Other Woman Maraa Al-Okhra
1980 Desire Al-Raghba
1981 Al-Akmar
1981 People on the Top Ahl El Qema
1981 Al-Shaytan Yaez
1982 The Bus Driver Sawak Al-Utubis
1982 An Egyptian Story Hadduta Misrija
1982 Bariq Ayneyk
1982 The Peacock Al-Tawous
1984 Beit al-qadi
1984 Streets of Fire Imam
1985 The Vagabonds Al-Sa Alik
1986 The Train El-Ketaar
1986 The Age of Wolves Ahmed
1987 Kaher el-zaman
1989 Seraa al ahfad
1989 Hellfire Inar gahined
1990 The Search of Sayed Marzouk Al-Bahths an Al-Sayyid Marzuq
1991 Nagi El-Ali
1992 The Cry Al-Sarkha
1992 Ayoun Al Sakr
1994 A Hot Night Leila Sakhina
1995 I Won't Live in My Father's Robes Lan A3ish Fi Gelbab Abi TV series
1997 Destiny Massir
1997 The Mushroom Mostafa
1998 Disappearance of Gaafar El-Masry Ikhtefaa Gaafar El-Masry
1999 The Other Man El Ragol El Akhar TV series
2001 Haj Metwali's Family TV series
2002 El Attar we el saba3 banat TV series
2004 Eish Ayamak TV series
2005 Dam El Ghazal
2006 The Yacoubian Building Omaret Yakobean
2008 Transit Prisoner Masgoon Transit
2008 The Baby Doll Night Laylat El-Baby Doll
2015 Cairo Time Betawqeet El-Qahira

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Nour El-Sherif (born Mohamed Gaber Mohamed Abd Allah; 28 April 1946 – 11 August 2015) was a prominent Egyptian , , and director whose career spanned nearly five decades and encompassed over 200 films, television series, and theatrical productions, earning him acclaim for portraying intellectually complex, often anti-heroic characters that mirrored societal realities in . Born in the Sayeda Zainab neighborhood of , El-Sherif lost his father at the age of one and grew up in modest circumstances, developing an early passion for acting through school theater troupes while also playing soccer for the junior team of the . He pursued formal training at the Higher Institute for Theatrical Studies, graduating with a diploma in 1967, which paved the way for his professional debut in the 1967 film Qasr al-Shawq (Palace of Desire), an adaptation of Naguib Mahfouz's novel directed by Hassan al-Imam. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, El-Sherif rose to stardom with roles in critically acclaimed films such as Al-Karnak (1975), based on another Mahfouz work, and Sawwaq al-Autobis (1982), for which he received an honor at the , establishing him as a leading figure in Egyptian cinema known for blending drama with . His versatility extended to television, where he starred in popular series like Al-Qahira wa al-Nas (Cairo and the People) and Ragol al-Aqdar () in the early 2000s, and to theater with productions such as Romeo wa Juliet and Kont Feen Ya Aly. He also directed his sole film, Al-Ashiqan (The Lovers), in 2001, and hosted the Shouf Bakhtak. El-Sherif's contributions were recognized with awards including at the 1996 for Layla Sakhina and multiple honors for films like Qitta ala al-Nar and Ya Rab Tawba. Six of his films rank among the top 100 in Egyptian cinema history. In his , El-Sherif was married to actress Poussy (1972–2006; remarried 2015), with whom he had two daughters, and Mai, and he remained a beloved figure in Egyptian culture until his death from at age 69 in . His legacy endures as a master of meaningful , influencing generations of actors and continuing to resonate through retrospectives of his work.

Early life and education

Family and childhood

Nour El-Sherif was born Mohamed Gaber Mohamed Abd Allah on April 28, 1946, in the working-class neighborhood of Sayyida Zaynab in , . His father passed away when he was just one year old, at the age of 26, leaving his mother to raise him single-handedly under modest economic conditions. As a , El-Sherif developed a keen passion for soccer, joining the junior team of Al-Zamalek Club and initially aspiring to a in the sport. This interest contrasted with his growing fascination for acting, sparked through participation in school performances and exposure to local theater groups. He spent his formative years in a culturally vibrant yet economically challenging environment typical of Cairo's popular quarters, surrounded by the everyday struggles and community life of working-class Egyptians.

Academic background and early interests

Nour El-Sherif, born Mohamed Gaber Mohamed Abd Allah, initially enrolled at the Faculty of Commerce after completing high school but soon transferred to the Higher Institute for Theatrical Arts in Cairo, reflecting his growing passion for performance. His interest in acting was ignited during his preparatory school years through participation in school theater productions, where he joined an acting troupe and gained his first stage experience, building confidence in amateur roles that convinced him to pursue the field professionally. In 1967, El-Sherif graduated from the Higher Institute for Theatrical Arts with first-class honors, ranking top in his class and earning classification in the first tier, which marked a pivotal step in formalizing his artistic training. This academic achievement underscored his dedication to dramatic arts, shaped by early exposures to Egyptian cinema that inspired him to prioritize as a path. Despite his childhood enthusiasm for soccer, where he played on Club's junior team and received offers to join professionally, El-Sherif ultimately chose over a sports career, viewing it as a deeper calling aligned with his talents and interests. This decision, made amid his transition to higher education, highlighted his determination to channel early creative sparks into a structured artistic pursuit.

Professional career

Theater debut and early stage work

Upon graduating from the Higher Institute for Theatrical Studies in 1967 with top honors, Nour El-Sherif immediately joined the National Theatre, where he was classified as a first-tier by the institution. This marked his entry into professional acting, building on his dramatic arts training during university years. El-Sherif's professional debut came in 1968 with a minor role in the play El-Shaware El-Khalfiya (The Back Streets), facilitated by actor Ardash, which provided initial exposure within the National Theatre ensemble and introduced him to the Egyptian theater audience. Throughout the late and early , El-Sherif collaborated with directors such as Kamal El-Shennawi on stage productions emphasizing , appearing in over 10 plays that explored themes of class struggle and societal norms. Notable among these was his starring role and directorial involvement in Alfred Farag's Al-Amira wal-So'louk (The Princess and the Vagabond), a work that showcased his ability to blend performance with creative oversight at the National Theatre. Other collaborations included adaptations like Romeo wa under Kamal E'id, as well as plays such as Kont Feen Ya Aly and his directorial debut Al-Kahin (The Priest) at Al-Hanager Theater, further solidifying his presence in the scene. As a newcomer, El-Sherif navigated significant challenges, including familial opposition to his pursuit of and the intense among young talents in Egypt's theater world, where low pay often forced reliance on multiple roles to sustain a . These experiences refined his versatile style, prioritizing deep character exploration and emotional authenticity in roles that demanded nuance amid limited resources.

Film breakthrough and key roles

Nour El-Sherif made his cinematic debut in 1967 with a supporting role in Kasr El-Shawk (Palace of Desire), directed by Hassan Imam and adapted from Naguib Mahfouz's novel, marking his entry into Egyptian cinema. He followed this with minor roles in various films during the late , honing his craft amid the vibrant post-revolutionary while transitioning from theater. His breakthrough arrived in 1971 with Zawgaty wa al-Kalb (My Wife and the Dog), directed by Said Marzouk, where he portrayed a man grappling with and moral dilemmas, earning critical praise for his intense dramatic delivery and emotional depth. This performance established him as a leading talent capable of tackling complex psychological and social themes, propelling him to stardom and opening doors to more prominent parts. Throughout his career, El-Sherif delivered iconic performances in six films ranked among Egypt's top 100, including his role as a enduring and political in Al-Karnak (Karnak Cafe, 1975), directed by Ali Badrakhan and based on Mahfouz's critiquing . He also took the lead in Hadouta Masreya (An Egyptian Story, 1982), directed by , where he explored themes of , mortality, and through an introspective autobiographical narrative. El-Sherif's collaborations with further highlighted his versatility, notably in Al-Maseer (Destiny, 1997), where he embodied the philosopher in a historical tale of intellectual persecution and enlightenment. His range extended to contemporary critiques, culminating in a pivotal role in Omaret Yacoubian (, 2006), directed by Marwan Hamed, which addressed corruption, class disparity, and social decay in modern based on Alaa Al Aswany's novel.

Television prominence and later projects

Nour El-Sherif began his television career in the late 1960s, appearing in the long-running series Al Qahira wa Al Nas ( and the People), where he portrayed the character Adel across multiple seasons from 1967 to 1972, marking his entry into the medium alongside established stars like Safia El-Emary and . While his early television roles were sporadic, it was in the 1990s that he achieved prominence through specials, a staple of Egyptian that drew massive audiences during the holy month. His breakthrough came with the 1996 series Lan A'eesh fi Gilbab Aby (I Won't Live in My Father's Robe), a social drama exploring generational conflicts and personal identity, which solidified his status as a leading television actor. Throughout the 2000s, El-Sherif starred in several high-profile series that blended drama with sharp , reflecting Egypt's cultural and societal shifts. In A'elat El-Hagg Metwali (2001), he played the patriarch of a large family navigating economic hardships and moral dilemmas, earning praise for his nuanced portrayal of traditional values under modern pressures. Similarly, in El Daly (2007–2008), he depicted a corrupt cabinet minister entangled in political intrigue, a that highlighted his versatility in tackling themes of power and , as noted in contemporary reviews of the series' controversial edge. These projects not only boosted his popularity but also expanded television's in critiquing societal issues, with El-Sherif's performances often cited for their depth and relatability. In the , El-Sherif increasingly took on production and creative control in his projects, self-producing television works that allowed him to shape narratives around family dynamics and personal resilience. His involvement extended to directing elements in later productions, drawing from his earlier stage experience. By the early , amid growing health challenges, El-Sherif focused on meaningful roles; his final major project, Khalaf Allah (2013), portrayed a father's evolving relationship with his son in a conservative , emphasizing themes of , , and generational , and was lauded for its emotional authenticity. These later endeavors showcased his adaptation to evolving media formats, reaching broad audiences through satellite channels and reinforcing his enduring influence in Egyptian television.

Personal life

Marriages and relationships

Nour El-Sherif married Egyptian actress Poussy (real name ) in 1972, forming a prominent union within the entertainment industry that blended their professional and personal lives. The couple, both rising stars at the time, shared a deep bond that influenced their collaborative work, including joint appearances in theater productions and early films where their real-life chemistry enhanced on-screen portrayals of romantic and familial dynamics. Their marriage lasted over three decades, during which they became one of Egypt's most recognized celebrity couples, often celebrated for their enduring partnership amid the demands of . The union ended in divorce in early 2006 after 34 years, with El-Sherif citing irreconcilable personal differences as the primary reason, though neither party disclosed further details publicly. Post-divorce, speculation arose about brief romantic involvements for El-Sherif, including unconfirmed reports of an intimate relationship with a young Tunisian woman that reportedly contributed to the split. Despite the separation, El-Sherif and Poussy maintained a cordial relationship, frequently appearing together at family events and industry gatherings, which fueled public rumors of potential reconciliations throughout the early 2010s. Poussy publicly expressed ongoing affection and respect for El-Sherif, emphasizing their shared history and mutual support even after the divorce. In a poignant turn, the reconciled and remarried on January 14, 2015, shortly after El-Sherif's health began to decline significantly. Poussy later explained that her decision stemmed from a sense of and , stating she could not abandon him during his vulnerability. This reunion, lasting until El-Sherif's later that year, symbolized resilience in their personal bond and positively shaped his public image as a figure of and redemption in the face of adversity. The had two daughters from their first .

Family and private interests

Nour El-Sherif was a devoted father to two daughters, Sara and May, from his marriage to actress Poussy. He raised them in , instilling values rooted in his own working-class upbringing in the Al-Khalifa neighborhood. Despite his prominence in Egyptian cinema, El-Sherif prioritized a grounded family life, with his daughters growing up immersed in the through their parents and aunt Noura, a retired performer. Sara pursued a behind-the-scenes role in the industry as an on select projects, while May, born on April 10, 1981, became an actress, appearing in films and television series, including collaborations with her ; she graduated from the and began in theater during childhood. El-Sherif's influence as a was profound, as May later reflected in a 2023 tribute, crediting him with shaping her and Sara's lives through his wisdom and support. In his private pursuits, El-Sherif maintained a humble reflective of his origins, with a lifelong passion for soccer stemming from his youth, when he played for Club's junior team before dedicating himself to acting. Known for his modest personality, he focused on family bonds away from the public eye, emphasizing personal integrity over celebrity.

Illness and death

Health struggles

Nour El-Sherif first encountered significant health challenges in the early , beginning with circulatory deficiencies that caused severe pain in the arteries of his legs, requiring surgical intervention and ongoing treatment. These issues escalated in late 2013 following the completion of his television series Khalf Allah, when he developed fluid accumulation in his lungs, initially attributed to but later linked to a more serious underlying condition. By mid-2014, medical examinations confirmed an advanced diagnosis of , which had been inadvertently discovered during procedures to address the lung fluid. El-Sherif underwent sessions as part of his treatment regimen, alongside multiple hospitalizations in and extended stays in for specialized care and check-ups, where he spent several months in 2014 and early 2015 receiving medical attention. In 2015, El-Sherif made several public statements about his condition through interviews, expressing frustration with exaggerated rumors and appealing for privacy while contemplating the fragility of life and his resilience against illness. The progression of his illness profoundly affected his professional life, leading him to withdraw from several planned projects and curtail his involvement in others to prioritize recovery and personal matters, including a reconciliation with his former wife Poussy amid his treatment. Despite these limitations, he occasionally participated in limited filming commitments, demonstrating his determination to continue working where possible.

Passing and immediate aftermath

Nour El-Sherif passed away on August 11, 2015, at the age of 69 in a Cairo hospital, succumbing to complications from lung cancer after a prolonged battle with the disease. The following day, August 12, his funeral prayer was conducted at Al-Shorta Mosque in the 6th of October City suburb of Cairo, drawing thousands of mourners including family, fans, and prominent members of the Egyptian entertainment industry such as actors Adel Imam, Ezzat El Alaily, Farouk El Fishawy, and Mohamed Ramadan, as well as officials from the Ministry of Culture. He was then buried in the family plot located on Al-Wahat Road south of Cairo. In the immediate aftermath, Egyptian media outlets extensively covered his passing, emphasizing his decades-long contributions to cinema, theater, and television, with tributes from peers underscoring his status as a . The outpouring of public support was evident at the funeral, where the family acknowledged the widespread condolences and gratitude for the solidarity shown during their time of grief. Collaborators in the industry paused ongoing projects briefly to honor him, incorporating dedications in television broadcasts and productions as a mark of respect.

Legacy

Awards and recognitions

Nour El-Sherif received numerous accolades throughout his career, recognizing his contributions to Egyptian and . These honors highlighted his versatility in portraying complex characters and his enduring impact over five decades in film, television, and theater. In 2007, El-Sherif was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Egyptian Writers and Critics Association during the Alexandria International , celebrating his profound influence on Egyptian and his body of work spanning diverse genres. Seven years later, in 2014, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the , honoring his 50-year career that included over 100 films and television productions, as well as his role in elevating on the global stage. El-Sherif also earned awards for standout performances in key films. For his role in Leila Sakhina (1995), he won the award at the Cairo International Film Festival, praised for his intense portrayal of a man grappling with moral dilemmas in a gritty urban setting. His role in Karnak Cafe (1975) garnered critical acclaim as a landmark depicting oppression under authoritarian rule. These awards, among others like honorary shields from various festivals, underscored his status as one of Egypt's most revered artists.
YearAwardFestival/OrganizationFor
1995Leila Sakhina
2007Lifetime Achievement AwardEgyptian Writers and Critics Association ( International Film Festival)Career body of work
2014Lifetime Achievement Award50-year career

Cultural impact and tributes

Nour El-Sherif's portrayals of complex socio-political themes in Egyptian cinema and television profoundly influenced subsequent generations of actors and filmmakers, capturing the struggles of ordinary Egyptians amid economic hardship, corruption, and social injustice. His films often delved into the realities of post-revolutionary Egypt, blending realism with critique to highlight issues like class disparity and political oppression, as seen in works such as Destiny (1997) and The Yacoubian Building (2006), which addressed fundamentalism, poverty, and urban decay. With seven of his films included in Egypt's official Top 100 list compiled by the Cairo International Film Festival in 1996—including My Wife and the Dog (1971), Children of Silence (1974), Karnak Cafe (1975), The Shame (1982), An Egyptian Story (1982), The Bus Driver (1982), and The Night of Fatima's Arrest (1984)—El-Sherif's contributions solidified his status as a cornerstone of Egyptian cinematic heritage, inspiring actors to prioritize authentic character depth in social dramas. A significant posthumous came on , 2021, marking what would have been El-Sherif's 75th birthday, when honored him with a dedicated . Illustrated by Cairo-based Maged El Sokkary, the animated feature depicted El-Sherif in iconic roles from films like The Bus Driver and An Egyptian Story, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal to global audiences. This recognition underscored his role as a cultural ambassador for Egyptian cinema, blending humor, drama, and in characters that resonated beyond borders. Annual commemorations in Egyptian media continue to celebrate El-Sherif's legacy, with retrospectives of his works frequently aired during Ramadan, highlighting series like Al-Harafish (2002) and historical dramas that reflected Egypt's socio-economic landscape. These broadcasts, often on major networks, revisit his performances to engage younger viewers with themes of resilience and justice. Additionally, theater festivals have been named in his honor, such as the 9th National Theatre Festival in 2016, which opened with tributes to his theatrical contributions, and the 14th Luxor African Film Festival in 2024, which featured special screenings and awards dedicated to his memory on the tenth anniversary of his passing. In January 2025, the 15th Luxor African Film Festival further commemorated his legacy. His influence persists among modern Egyptian actors, who credit his realistic approach to character development in social dramas for shaping their own methods of portraying nuanced, everyday heroes.

Filmography

Feature films

Nour El-Sherif appeared in over 40 feature films during his career, with many earning critical acclaim for their incisive on Egyptian , , and personal struggles. Several of his performances contributed to films ranked in the top 100 Egyptian films list, as selected by critics for their cultural significance and artistic merit. His roles often blended dramatic depth with subtle critique, establishing him as a versatile leading man in Egyptian cinema. El-Sherif made his film debut in 1967 with Qasr al-Shawq (Palace of Desire), portraying a in this of Naguib Mahfouz's , marking his entry into cinema after theater work. By 1971, he secured his first leading role in Zawgaty Wal Kalb (My Wife and the Dog), directed by Saïd Marzouk, where he played Nour, a man entangled in jealousy and marital conflict, showcasing his ability to convey emotional complexity. In 1975, El-Sherif delivered a standout performance in Al Karnak (Karnak Cafe), based on Naguib Mahfouz's novel, as Hazim Ferag, a university student subjected to by state security forces under the regime of ; the film remains a seminal work on political and is ranked among Egypt's top films. His role earned praise for humanizing the victims of authoritarianism. El-Sherif's 1982 film Hadduta Misriya (An Egyptian Story), directed by , featured him as Yehia, an aging doctor undergoing heart surgery and reflecting on his life's regrets and societal changes; the semi-autobiographical narrative drew from Chahine's own experiences and secured a place in the top 100 Egyptian films for its introspective depth. That same year, he also starred in Sawwaq al-Otobis (The Bus Driver), another critically acclaimed entry in the top 100 list, as a working-class driver navigating urban hardships. In 1995, El-Sherif starred in Leila Sakhina as the titular character's husband, Sayed, a reserved villager whose life unravels amid rural traditions and personal loss. A pinnacle of his career came in 1997 with Al-Massir (Destiny), directed by Youssef Chahine, where El-Sherif portrayed the 12th-century philosopher Averroes (Ibn Rushd), defending rationalism against religious extremism in medieval Andalusia; the historical drama received international recognition and is included in Egypt's top 100 films for its philosophical themes. He revisited ensemble storytelling in 2006's Omaret Yacoubian (The Yacoubian Building), adapted from Alaa Al Aswany's novel, as Zaki el Dessouki, a faded aristocrat and tenant in Cairo's decaying Yacoubian Building, embodying the erosion of old Egypt; this satirical portrayal of societal ills also ranks among the top 100 Egyptian films.

Television series

Nour El-Sherif appeared in more than 30 television series throughout his career, with a particular focus on serialized dramas that aired during the holy month of Ramadan, where he often portrayed complex characters in historical, family, and social narratives. These roles contributed significantly to his popularity, as Egyptian television during Ramadan traditionally draws massive audiences for such productions. One of his early notable television contributions was in the ensemble cast of Layali Al-Helmiya (1987–1995), a landmark series depicting life in a Cairo neighborhood across different historical periods, where El-Sherif played a supporting role that showcased his versatility in ensemble storytelling. In the late 1990s, he starred in Al-Ragol Al-Akhar (1999), a psychological thriller series that he also produced, portraying a businessman grappling with identity and loss, which highlighted his ability to lead introspective dramas. El-Sherif's Ramadan specials further solidified his television legacy, including the 1996 family drama Lan A'eesh fi Gilbab Aby, where he depicted a father's struggles with and modernity in a poor , earning widespread acclaim for its emotional depth. He continued with comedic and dramatic leads in the , such as A'elat El-Hagg Metwali (2001), a popular series about a polygamous merchant's chaotic family life, blending humor with on Egyptian . In Eish Ayamak (2004), he explored themes of and routine in a marital context, while Al-Daly (2007) saw him as a corrupt cabinet minister in a , critiquing power dynamics during the holy month. Many of these productions were self-initiated by El-Sherif as producer, allowing him creative control over narratives that resonated with Arab audiences during Ramadan viewings. His specialization in historical dramas included roles in series like the biographical portrayal in Omar ibn Abdel-Aziz (2001), where he embodied the Umayyad caliph's just rule, emphasizing moral leadership in Islamic history. These works, often aired as Ramadan specials, boosted his fame by combining educational elements with compelling performances, making him a staple in Egyptian television's golden era of family and historical genres.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.