CAIRO, 17 September 2006 — The Egyptian comedy icon Fouad Al-Mohandes died yesterday in Cairo at the age of 72. Fouad was considered one of the pioneers of Arab comedy. He started his career in Egyptian television in the early 1960s after proving his acting talent in the theater.
Born in 1934 to noted Egyptian linguist Zaki Mohandes, Fouad took to theatrical performance at an early age. While a student at the college of business he made up his mind to make acting his career after becoming hooked on the plays of Najeeb Al-Rihani.
Though he made his debut as the hero of Mahmoud Dhul Fugar’s film “Bint Al-Jiran” (Neighbor’s Daughter) in 1954, he had to be satisfied with only supporting roles over the next 10 years. They included Kemal Shenawi’s “Al-Ard Al-Tayyiba” (The Good Earth), Emad Hamdi’s “Bayna Al-Atlal” (Amidst the Remnants) and Saleh Saleem’s “Al-Shumu Al-Saudaa” (the Black Candles).
Fatin Abdul Wahab’s “Aaila Zizi” (Zizi Family) was a turning point in his film career as a comedian. With his wife Showaikar, Al-Mohandes appeared as hero in films such as “Mutarada Gharamiah” (Romantic Chase), “Shambu Fil Masida” (Shampoo Trap), “Ard Al-Nifaq” (Land of Hypocrisy) and “Akhtar Rajulun fil Alam” (the Most Dangerous Man in the World). He helped propel young comedians like Adel Imam to fame with the play “Ana Wahuwa Wa Hiya” (I, Him and Her) in 1964. Saeed Saleh was another of his famous finds who starred in “Rubu Dastah Ashrar” (Quarter of a Dozen Villains) in 1970. Later in his life he had to do secondary roles with the same stars whom he had given a helping hand to.
