Veteran Egyptian actor Hassan Hosny dies aged 88

The 'El Nazer' star passed away on Saturday, May 30 after suffering a heart attack

Hassan Hosny, pictured in 2010, was one of Egypt's most famed actors, thanks to roles in films such as 'Zaky Chan' and 'El Nazer'. EPA

The actor at an event held to honour his career achievements in Cairo in October 2010. EPA

Hassan Hosny with actress Lebleba at the Alexandria International Film Festival in 2009. EPA

Hassan Hosny speaks after receiving an award during the opening ceremony of the 40th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival in 2018. Reuters

Hassan Hosny with singer Hamada Helal and actor Ramez Galal in 2005. EPA.

Legendary Egyptian actor Hassan Hosny has died at the age of 88.

The veteran comedian and screen star, who was a frequent face in both film and television productions, passed away on Saturday, May 30 after suffering a heart attack.

Actor Azouz Adel, who is a member of the board of directors of Egypt's Representative Professions Syndicate, confirmed the news on social media.

Hosny, who was born in Cairo in 1931, was a stalwart of the country's cinematic industry, appearing in a number of hits across more than five decades.

His filmography includes roles in 1996's Nasser 56, 2000's El Nazer, 2013's El Ashash and 2018's El Badler with Tamer Hosny, while he made appearances in TV shows such as Mahmoud Al-Masri and Om Kulthum.

His most recent work was in the television series Sultanat Al Maaz, which aired this past Ramadan starring Egyptian actress Ghada Abdel Razek. His latest film was Khayal Ma'ata, which came out during last year's Eid Al Adha, starring Ahmed Helmy and Mona Shalaby.

Hosny was also a gifted theatre actor, and was honoured with a tribute at the 40th Cairo International Film Festival in 2018.

Following the news of the actor's death, tributes from celebrities and fans started to pour in on social media.

"My heart is hurting, uncle Hassan," Egyptian actor Mohamed Henedy wrote on Instagram, sharing a photo of him with Hosny.

"Movies without you would never be the same again," wrote Passant Adel in a tweet.

Egyptian actress Amy Samir Ghanem also shared a tribute to the late actor, as did Hassan El Raddad, who called Hosny a "great artist".

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