Biography

• Name: Mahmoud El-Gendy
• Date of Birth: 24 February 1945
• Place of Birth: Abu al-Matamir, Beheira, Egypt
• Date of Death: 11 April 2019
• Place of Death: 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt
• Occupation: Egyptian actor (film – theatre – television) who also occasionally showcased a warm singing voice in his work

Early Life and Education

• He grew up in Beheira Governorate and showed early artistic inclinations.
• He enrolled at the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in Cairo and graduated in the late 1960s, which opened the door to professional stage work before moving into film and television.

Personal Life

• He married more than once, including a brief marriage to the actress ‘Abla Kamel (Abla Kamel).
• He was the father of director Ahmed El-Gendy and actress Mariam El-Gendy. He was known for his commitment to family and for staying close to his roots and hometown.

Career

• He began on stage, then transitioned to cinema and television, with a career spanning nearly five decades.
• He was recognized for the “ibn al-balad” presence—the quintessential man-of-the-people look and spirit—alongside a warm voice he sometimes used in songs within his roles, and a talent for layered performances that balanced comedy and tragedy.
• He had a commanding presence in supporting roles that left a clear mark, in addition to leading parts in theatre and television.

Selected Notable Works

• El-Prinsessa (stage play; “The Princess”)
• Shams Al-Zanaty (film)
• Hekayat Al-Ghareeb (film; “Tales of the Stranger”)
• Al-Shahd wal-Dumou' (TV series; “Honey and Tears”)

Note: He appeared in dozens of works across film, television, and theatre over many years, with his television roles in particular leaving a strong impression on audiences.

Awards and Honors

• He received tributes and honors at cultural events and festivals in Egypt in recognition of his body of work.

Passing and Legacy

• He passed away on 11 April 2019 following a heart attack. He left behind a significant artistic legacy and remained a beloved figure to the public—one of the quintessential Egyptian faces known for honest performance, simplicity, and humane warmth on both screen and stage.