Intisar Al Sharrah, one of Kuwait’s foremost actresses in television and theatre, has died aged 59.
Al Sharrah died on Saturday in London, after travelling to the UK capital in July to seek medical treatment. Al Sharrah suffered from stomach and kidney problems in the past two years, as well as issues brought on by chronic conditions inducing diabetes and high blood pressure.
In November, she was admitted to the intensive care unit of Kuwait's Al Amiri Hospital following surgery to remove stomach ulcers.
Al Sharrah’s death was announced by Kuwait's Ministry of Information. A representative shared Minister of Information Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi's condolences to Al Sharrah’s family and peers, saying the Kuwaiti actress was a pioneer in her field.
Al Sharrah began her acting career in 1981, starring in the highly popular satirical play Bye Bye London opposite Kuwaiti talents Abdulhussain Abdulredha and Mariam Al-Ghadban.
Over the next four decades, Al Sharrah established herself as an accomplished actress in her own right, effortlessly flitting between drama and comedy, television and the stage. Her most famous works include the television series Kharag wa lam ya'ud, Qased Kheir and Khod wa khal. Her theatre work included Al Bambara, Lowlaki, and Intakhibu Umm Ali.
Fans of Al Sharrah took to social media to pay tribute to the Kuwaiti actress after her death was announced.
“You may be gone but you will never be forgotten,” wrote Twitter user Ghaliah Al Mahdi.
“Gulf cinematography and art lost another outstanding talent today,” Emirati Twitter user Hassan Sajwani wrote.
“You took part in shaping our childhood with your humour,” said Twitter user Haitch.
“[She] definitely has a special place in my memory as a child,” Twitter user Mohammad Dimash wrote. "She always made us laugh. May her soul rest in peace.”
