By Reem Saleh

The loss of one of Egypt’s icons, the Don Juan of Arab cinema Ahmed Ramzy, has marked another chapter in his already visible and strong legacy.

On 28 September, he left this world aged 83 in Egypt. Ramzy was born on March 23 1930 to an Egyptian orthopedist and a Scottish mother; it was this mixture of heritage which added a charm to his features that drove the fans wild. He symbolised the elegant lover, inspiring the greatest stories told on Egypt’s screens.

His handsome looks, natural performances and humour collaborated with one another, adding to his charisma. His bad-boy style trended, with fans imitating his hair style and wide open shirt swaggering through streets with a mobster attitude. Film posters hooked on to his persona, often adding the line ‘Starring the Bad Boy’ to attract audiences.

He was meant to follow his father’s footsteps and become a doctor, but he dropped out of medical school after three years to pursue cinema.

His acting break came by coincidence. In 1954, he was meeting his best friend Omar Sharif in Cairo’s famous café ‘Grouppi’.The Egyptian director Youssef Chahine (1926 – 2008) was at the same table. He offered Ramzy a leading role in ‘Sira` Fi al-Wadi’ (‘The Blazing Sun’). The role was eventually given to Sharif.

Scene from film 'Ibn Hamido'

But he was destined to be an actor. Director Helmy Halim was attracted by him, and approached the then 25-year-old to offer him his first role in ‘Ayyamna al-Holwa’ (‘Our Best Days’) – a 1955 film that also starred Omar Sharif, Abdel Halim Hafez and Faten Hamama. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship between the boys. When Ramzy passed away, Omar Sharif reportedly wasn’t told because of the effect it might have on his health.

The fifties belonged to Ramzy; he took part in one leading role after the other, solidifying his image as the romantic hero.

When revisiting all the black and white Egyptian films entire generations grew up watching, it is difficult to miss him. From the beginning, he was usually found playing alongside a memorable cast. He teamed with Faten Hamama in at least five films since his first appearance, and was often seen on screen with Hind Rostom, Soad Hosni and Shadia. In every way, this was the golden age of Egyptian cinema.

By contrast in the sixties, when Egypt nationalised the cinema industry under Gamal Abdel Nasser’s rule, Ramzy suffered; ’It went to the dogs,’ he said. (Source: Al Ahram)

During this troubled period Ramzy started acting outside of Egypt. In Italy he performed in ‘Il Figlio di Spartacus’ (‘The Son of Spartacus’), in Lebanon he starred in ‘Fondok El Saada’ (‘Hotel of Joy’) and in Syria he took a part in ‘Banat lil Hob’ (‘Girls for Love’).

Throughout his career, he acted in more than 250 films establishing himself as a landmark in the world of cinema. Ramzy lives through the memory of several generations, leaving a treasure-chest full of moving pictures, forever cherished.