Biographies: Hassan Fayek - Actor

Biographies

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Hassan Faayek Muhammad al-Kholy is an Egyptian actor, writer and colloquial poet born in Alexandria (1898). He started his career at the age of 16 where he wrote and directed the play “Farraan al-Bondokeyya i.e. The baker of Venice”. In 1916, Faayek joined ‘Azeez ‘Eid troupe than later on, he formed his own troupe and played “Malekat al-gamaal i.e. The beauty Queen” along with Hussein Reyaad, Abbaas Faares, Stéphane Rosti, Abdul Lateef Gamgoom, Ahmad Galal and Youssef Wahby joined too. During the 1919 revolution, Faayek became famous for presenting a number of humorous songs that attacked the British occupation and praised the resistance. “Hokm Karakowsh i.e. Karakowsh Rule”, “Al-donya lamma ted-hak i.e. When life laughs”, “Al-settaat ma-ye’rafoush yekdebo i.e. Ladies never lied” and “Ella khamsa i.e. Five to..” are among his famous stage plays. Faayek started his cinema career when he was 35 with “Awlaad al-thawaat i.e. Sons of Aristocrats”. He co-starred in comic roles, several of which were with Esmaeel Yasseen. He had a special charisma and was famous for his signature laugh; one can never forget his laughing scene in the film “Al-zowga 13 i.e. Thirteenth wife”. He never exaggerated but was always natural and spontaneous and that is why he had his own school of comic acting. In 1965, Hassan Faayek got paralyzed and could not go on with his career. He also suffered from the neglect of the authorities and his colleagues. However, the 1973 war reminded him of the good days of 1919. He phoned al-Akhbar newspaper and dictated them a humorous song about the war. He passed away in 1980.

• 31 May 2011
• Achraf Wassim