Biography

Name: Ali al-Sharif
Profession: Egyptian actor (film, theater, and television)
Date of Birth: June 23, 1934
Date of Death: February 11, 1987
Place of Birth: Cairo, Egypt

Early Life and Education

Raised in Cairo, he became involved early on in cultural activities and student work.
His interest in acting began with university theater, continued at Television Theater, and eventually led him to cinema in the late 1960s.

Career

Known for his striking features, distinctive voice, and commanding presence, he became one of the most recognizable faces in roles of “al-futuwwa” (the neighborhood strongman or enforcer in Egyptian popular culture) and folk-style villains. He also delivered performances with a sardonic edge and touches of dark comedy.
His career spanned the 1970s and 1980s, during which he appeared in dozens of film, theater, and television roles—combining impactful short appearances with substantial supporting parts.

Artistic Traits

A strong ability to portray harsh, complex characters without losing their human dimension.
An effortless, natural performance style, with clear body language and a sharp rhythm in dialogue.
A versatile range between hard-edged villainy and weighty, darkly comic moments within a dramatic context.

Key Works

He appeared in a number of notable films from the 1970s and 1980s, including:
The Land (al-Ard, 1970)
The Karnak (al-Karnak, 1975)
Al-Kayf (1985)
Karakon in the Street
A Person Lives Only Once
One by One

Note: “al-futuwwa” refers to a traditional urban archetype in Egyptian culture—often a physically imposing figure who exerts control in the neighborhood; such roles in cinema typically blend menace with local codes of honor. “Dark comedy” here indicates humor that tackles serious or grim subject matter with a satirical tone.