Actress Somaya El-Alfy passed away after a battle with cancer; funeral date to be announced
Sadness prevailed in the Egyptian and Arab artistic community on Saturday morning, after the announcement of the death of the esteemed artist Somaya El-Alfy at the age of 72, thus closing a bright page in the history of Egyptian drama, after a long and painful struggle with cancer that lasted for about six years, during which she faced the disease with courage and patience.
Details of the death and funeral
Dr. Ashraf Zaki , head of the Actors' Syndicate, confirmed the sad news, explaining that arrangements are underway for the funeral of the deceased on Saturday, December 20. The funeral prayer is scheduled to take place after the afternoon prayer at Mustafa Mahmoud Mosque in the Mohandessin district of Cairo, the same mosque where dozens of prominent figures in Egyptian art have bid farewell to their loved ones. She will then be laid to rest in the family cemetery.
A prolific artistic career in the golden age
Somaya El-Alfy was one of the most prominent figures who shaped Egyptian television drama during the 1980s and 1990s. She began her artistic career in the 1970s, but her star shone brightly through her participation in epic works that remain etched in the memory of Arab viewers. Among her most notable roles were Princess Nourhan in the series "Layali El-Helmiya," her distinguished performance in the series "Raafat El-Haggan," as well as "Bawabet El-Halawani" and "El-Raya El-Bayda." The late actress was known for her calm and dignified performances and her authentic Egyptian features, which endeared her to audiences across the Arab world.
Personal life and family support
It's impossible to talk about Somaya El-Alfy without mentioning her love story and her famous marriage to the late artist Farouk El-Fishawy . The couple captivated the entertainment press for many years, and their marriage produced two sons, Ahmed and Omar. Despite their separation, a close friendship remained between them until El-Fishawy's death, with Somaya serving as a model of loyalty and support.
In her later years, despite her worsening illness, Somaya El-Alfy was keen to fulfill her role as a supportive mother to her son, the actor Ahmed El-Fishawy . Her last public appearance was behind the scenes of the film "Safah El Tagamoa," where she braved her pain to be by her son's side and encourage him in his new film project, in a scene that reflected the depth of her relationship with her family.
Illness and Departure
In recent years, the late artist suffered from deteriorating health due to cancer, forcing her to withdraw completely from the art scene and the public eye, content to follow the artistic landscape from afar. She underwent several surgeries and intensive treatment sessions, but fate had its say today, and she passed away, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy and a fragrant memory loved by the public and her colleagues in the art world.
