Google Doodle celebrates late Egyptian actor Naguib El-Rihani

CAIRO: Google celebrated the 127th birthday of iconic Egyptian actor Naguib el Rihani with a classic Doodle on Thursday.
Father of Egyptian comedy El-Rihani, also called Kishkisk Bey for the role he played early in his career, was born on Jan. 21, 1889 in the Bab El Shereya area of Cairo to an Iraqi father and Egyptian mother. El-Rihani passed away on June 8, 1949.
Many critics referred to El-Rihani as “the Charlie Chaplin of the East” for his comedy skills, his contribution to the arts, as well as his simple background and his family’s financial struggles.
El-Rihani completed his studies at Les Freres French School in Cairo and then worked at the Agriculture Bank, and later on in Sugar Company in Nagaa Hamady.
He always dreamed of becoming an actor and was finally discovered by his fellow friend, the director and actor Aziz Eid. He became a known comedian, despite the fact that he loved tragedy.
El-Rihani’s approach to theatrical arts has repositioned Egypt’s theater, attracting attention and respect from every social stratum.
In 1920, he established his own theatrical group and together with his lifelong friend and work partner, Badeih Khairy, began adapting several iconic French theater plays to the Egyptian stage and then to cinema. He also wrote plays and film scripts.
El-Rihani worked with many talents and cooperated with the famous musician Sayed Darwish in the newly developed musical theater. He had a great influence on many Egyptian theater and cinema actors. Renowned comedy actor Foad El Mohandes (1924-2006) always emphasized El-Rihani’s effect on him and his style in acting.
Among his many memorable roles are those in Sidi Omar (1941), Salama fi Khair (1938), and Ghazal El-Banat (When Girls Flirt).