Egyptian comedian Samir Ghanem dies from coronavirus at 84

He and wife Dalal Abdel Aziz were being treated in a Cairo hospital

Egyptian comedian Samir Ghanem and daughter Donia attend a party at a Cairo hotel, September 15 2001. AFP

Samir Ghanem arrives at the Auction for Cinema Against Aids on the sidelines of the Dubai International Film Festival. AFP

Hussein Fahmi (L) and comedian Samir Ghanem attend a condolences ceremony after the funeral of fellow comedian Fuad Al Muhandes in Cairo September, 16 2006. AFP

Egyptian singer Ihab Toufiq and Samir Ghanem pose in Baghdad on February 26, 2001, during a solidarity mission to the country. AFP

Samir Ghanem poses with actress Rania Yussef on the first day of shooting of a new TV series titled 'Maakom Al Hawa ... Hayem Abdel Dayem' in Cairo on May 21, 2006. AFP

Samir Ghanem arrives at the opening ceremony of the Dubai International Film Festival on December 9, 2009. AFP

Samir Ghanem signs an autograph at Cairo's Zamalek Club on May 3, 2000. AFP

Samir Ghanem looks at an old picture of himself in the role of the famous character Fattuta, August 15, 2005 at Cairo's Al Rihani Theatre. AFP

Egyptian comedian Samir Ghanem has died from complications from Covid-19. He was 84.

His death was announced by his son-in-law, the journalist Ramy Radwan, on Thursday.

Ghanem, one of Egypt’s most celebrated and beloved comedians, and his wife, the renowned actress Dalal Abdel Aziz, were admitted to a Cairo hospital earlier this month.

They were both put on ventilators as  fans of the pair followed updates on their worsening condition.

Dr Hossam Hosny, head of the Egyptian health ministry's Covid-19 committee, said Ghanem was suffering from organ failure and that he and his wife repeatedly tested positive for the Covid-19.

Ms Abdel Aziz is continuing to undergo treatment.

Ghanem began his career in the 1960s as one-third of celebrated comedy troupe Tholathy Adwaa El Masrah, alongside George Sidhom and El Deif Ahmed.

The trio starred in a number of hugely successful films, which cemented Ghanem's place as one of the essential figures of Egyptian cinema’s golden age.

His career soared after leaving the troupe, and he went on to star in several high-profile roles where he refined his clownish, slapstick brand of comedy that garnered the love of millions of fans across the Arab world.

Ghanem is survived by a star-studded family, including daughters Donia and Emmy, two of Egypt’s best-known actresses.

A funeral prayer is being held on Friday at Cairo’s Masjed El Mosheer El Tantawy, one of the capital’s most high-profile mosques. The funeral procession will take place after the Friday prayer.