Quick Profile

• Name: Younes Mahmoud Shalaby
• Profession: Egyptian comic actor
• Born: 31 May 1941 — Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt
• Died: 12 November 2007 — Cairo, Egypt

Early Life and Education

• Studied at the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts (Academy of Arts — Acting and Directing Department) in Cairo.
  Note: The Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts is Egypt’s premier drama school within the national Academy of Arts.
• Discovered his passion for acting through student theater activities, then moved into professional work after graduation.

Beginnings and Breakthrough

• His fame began on stage, where he excelled at playing the lovable, naive young man. His signature style blended innocence, lighthearted humor, and disciplined improvisation (controlled ad‑libbing that stays true to the scene).
• Following his stage success, he transitioned to film and television, building a long-running career in comedy that kept his name prominent for decades.

Notable Works

• Stage:
• Madraset al‑Mashaghbeen (Role: Mansour) — “The School of Troublemakers,” the hit play that cemented his most famous comic persona.
• al‑‘Eyal Kebret (Role: ‘Atif) — “The Kids Have Grown Up,” one of his most enduring and audience‑favorite stage roles.
• Television:
• Oyoun — a socially minded police comedy‑drama.
• Voiced “Boogie” in the beloved children’s puppet show Boogie and Tamtam, a staple of Egyptian family TV.
• Cinema:
• Starred in dozens of comedy films throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, often portraying the simple, good‑hearted youth caught in humorous situations.

Passing and Artistic Legacy

• Passed away on 12 November 2007 after a battle with illness.
• His comic persona remains a hallmark of “innocent comedy” in Egypt — a style rooted in spontaneity and a popular, accessible tone. His plays and TV roles continue to attract repeat viewings across generations.