CAIRO, 7 January 2007 — The celebrated Arab comedienne, Suad Nasr has died at the age of 54 in Ain Shams Hospital in Cairo. She died on Friday evening after being in a coma throughout the year because of an overdose of anesthesia while undergoing a lipectomy in Dec. 2005. There were rumors of her death in November but hospital authorities denied them.
Born in 1953, Suad studied acting at the Institute of Drama in the early 1970s. Her first film was “Imraa Bila Qalb.” She was a great success as a comedienne since humor was natural to her.
Acknowledging her talent, Yusuf Shahin chose her for his films “Hadwah Mesriah,” “Al-Masir,” and “Iskandariah-New York.”
She also played the lead role in “Al-Bedayah” by another great Egyptian director, Salah Abu Yusuf.
However, “Huna Al-Qahira” is considered her best film; she appeared in it with Muhammad Sobhi. The two appeared in several other films and plays such as “Al-Hamaji,” “Rahlah Al-Melyun” and “Aela Venice.” Her last work was “Muntaha Al-Lazzah” with Hanan Turk and her other films included, “Al Gheerah Al Qatelah,” “Haddoutah Masreyyah,” “Shakka Fi Wast Al Balad.” “Al Ghadab,” “Zawag Bekarar Gomhoory,” “Bayt Al Qady,” “Ahlam Aadeyya,” “Aly Spaycy” and “Khareef Aadm.” She is survived by two children, Tariq and Fayruz. Her first husband was Ahmad Abdul Warith.
Saudi artists, journalists and the Arab and Egyptian communities in particular expressed their sadness at the death of a great female artist.
“Suad Nasr will live for ever in our memories as an outstanding comedienne,” Abdullah Makharej, art editor of Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper said. He added that she had also been impressive in both social and melodramatic roles.
An Egyptian artist, Mahmoud Al-Tabie, working in Jeddah said, “The Arab world in general and Egyptians in particular have lost a symbol of Arab comedy.” He said he had met her several times and she had impressed him by her simplicity and her unique ability to spread happiness and optimism all around. She was also one of the few Arab comediennes, he pointed out.
“It was male and female actors and actresses such as Suad who have developed the Arab film industry to the present state. It will be almost possible to fill the gap left by her,” Hatem Al-Johani, an Egyptian engineer working in the Kingdom said.
