Kamal Al-Shenawy

December 25, 1918 – August 22, 2011

Cairo, Egypt

Started his career on the silver screen as a star, After graduating from the Teacher’s College Muhammad Kamaal al-Shennaawy taught art education at secondary schools. Meanwhile, as a plastic artist he held a number of art exhibitions. After two years, he left teaching to acting. During his first stage, he was very popular playing light comic lead roles. He formed a successful duet with super star Shadia where he joined her in some of the songs; “Al-hawa maloush dawa i.e. Love All the Way”, “Hamaamet al-salaam i.e. The dove of peace” and “Lessaanak Houssaanak i.e. Guard Your Tongue”. Kamaal produced a big number of films through his production company; “Wadaa’ fel-fagr i.e. Farewell at dawn”, “Nessaa al-leil i.e. Women of the night” and directed “Tanablet al-Sultaan i.e. The Sultan's idle followers”. His films “Al-mar’a al-maghoula i.e. Mrs. X”, “Akwa men al-hayaah i.e. Stronger than life” and “Tareek al-Domou’ i.e. Tears Road” mark the beginning of maturity as an actor playing more complicated roles. “Al-Karnak” declared the beginning of a new stage for the grand Al-Shennaawy. Of his popular TV series are: “Zeinab wal–‘arsh i.e. Zeinab and the throne” , “Hend wal-doctor No’maan i.e. Hend and Dr. No’maan”, “’Oyoun al-hobb i.e. Eyes of love”, “Le dawaa’y amneyya i.e. Security measures” and “Aakher al-meshwaar i.e. The end of the road”. Kamaal married several times. Among his ex wives was belly dancer Haaguer Hamdy, actors ‘Afaaf Shaaker and Naahed Shereef.