Samir Sabri

Overview

• Name: Samir Sabri
• Profession: Actor, singer, television and radio host, and occasional producer
• Years active: Early 1960s–2022
• Special status: One of Egypt’s quintessential all-around entertainers, seamlessly blending acting, singing, musical revues, and program hosting

Birth and Death

• Born: 27 December 1936 — Alexandria, Egypt
• Died: 20 May 2022 — Cairo, Egypt
• Age at death: 85

Early Life and Education

• Raised in Alexandria and educated in foreign-language schools, which enabled him to speak English fluently.

Entry into the Arts

• Started as a radio announcer on the Egyptian Radio’s English Service (al-Barnameg al-Ajnabi/English-language programming).
• Moved to television, hosting successful variety and talk shows. This on-screen success opened doors to acting and singing in cinema and musical theatre.
• Variety shows: Entertainment programs mixing music, dance, interviews, and light comedy.
• Musical revues: Stage or screen productions that combine song, dance, and performance numbers.

Career Highlights

• Cinema: Played romantic and comedic roles, appeared in musical and action films, and stood out for his easygoing presence and strong talent in song-and-dance performance.
• Television: Became a standout host of variety and talk programs, among the first in his generation to blend presenting with singing and musical performance on camera.
• Radio: Presented docu-musical programs that revived the heritage of Arabic song through storytelling, memories, and anecdotes.
• “Arab song heritage”: The classic repertoire and musical tradition of the Arab world.
• Production: Ventured into limited producing projects aimed at supporting musical revues and popular entertainment films.

Notable Works

• Television and radio:
• Al-Nadi al-Dawli (TV) — “The International Club”
• Zikrayati (Radio) — “My Memories”
• Films:
• Jahim Taht al-Ma' (1989) — “Hell Under Water”
• Al-Bahth 'an Fadiha — “Searching for a Scandal”
• Akhtar Ragol fi al-'Alam — “The Most Dangerous Man in the World”
• 30 Yawm fi al-Sijn — “30 Days in Prison”
• Al-Ikhwa al-A'da — “Enemy Brothers”
• Ihtariz min al-Khat — “Watch Out for the Line” (literal gloss)
• Memoir:
• Published a memoir blending autobiography with stories from his artistic journey.

Awards and Honors

• Honored throughout his career at Egyptian and Arab festivals and events in recognition of his wide-ranging contributions to acting and program hosting.

Personal Life

• Stated in media interviews that he married a British woman in his youth and has a son living in the United Kingdom.
• Known for his passion for music and artistic nostalgia, reflected in his radio programs celebrating classic Arabic songs.

Passing

• Died in Cairo on 20 May 2022 after health complications.

Facts and Trivia

• Famous for his elegance and polished, engaging presenting style, which made him a beloved on-screen figure.
• Considered among the earliest stars of his generation to maintain a balanced career combining television hosting, acting, and singing.